Combating Maritime Piracy: India and Kenya Join Forces, Learn the Full Story

Mumbai, December 5. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya is on a three-day state visit to India. During this visit, he received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Draupadi Murmu, welcomed him. Both leaders issued a joint statement, highlighting the strengthening of cooperation between India and Kenya in addressing challenges posed by maritime piracy and other issues in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Somali sea pirates have attacked numerous ships in these regions, with Indian vessels being targeted on several occasions. India and Kenya also aim to enhance collaboration in space and defense sectors.

Prime Minister Modi expressed that the Indian Ocean, connecting Mumbai and Mombasa, bears witness to the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to tackle maritime threats and other challenges. In response, President Kenyatta stated that Kenya has granted citizenship to 80,000 people of Indian origin, considering them as a second home. He thanked India for conferring G20 membership to the African Union and acknowledged India's efforts in giving a global voice to African countries.

PM Modi highlighted the common struggle against terrorism, calling it the greatest challenge against humanity. He also pointed out that India and Kenya share a shared past and future, underscoring the importance of collaboration in the face of global challenges. President Kenyatta appreciated India's support during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and mentioned Kenya's assistance by sending 14 cows to India, a gesture that garnered attention on social media. Additionally, Kenya expressed solidarity with the United States by sending cows after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In further collaboration, India has pledged $250 million to assist Kenya in modernizing its agricultural sector by extending a loan. President Kenyatta also shared that Kenya, like India, is working on providing homes and health cards for its citizens. The leaders underscored the importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges and building a stronger partnership between the two nations.