India, Kenya to consolidate security and defence cooperation

New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) India and Kenya on Wednesday decided to further consolidate their security and defence cooperation.

A joint statement, after a high level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, said: "Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of maritime surveillance, maritime security; sharing of white shipping information and joint hydrographic surveys."

India also invited Kenya to participate in defence exhibitions like Aero India and DEFEXPO.

According to the statement, both sides "condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated their commitment to working together in this regard, including expediting the finalisation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism".

"The two leaders committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from extremist groups."

India and Kenya also agreed that a "Joint Working Group on Security be expedited to prepare an action plan for enhancing security related collaboration. Both sides agreed to continue sharing information and expertise in counter terrorism, cyber security, combating drugs and human trafficking".

On developmental assistance, President Kenyatta appreciated the power transmission line projects being executed by Indian companies under a Line of Credit (LOC) of $61.6 million.

Both leaders noted the implementation of $29.95 million LOC for upgradation of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX) and $15 million LOC for development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Both sides welcomed the signing of $100 million LOC for agricultural mechanisation in Kenya.

President Kenyatta thanked India for the progress in installation of a telecobalt cancer therapy machine - the Bhabhatron II at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and appreciated training given to Kenyan oncologists under the India Africa Forum Summit Framework (IAFS III).

India invited Kenya to join the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). It also offered to help Kenya in the area of LED smart street lighting and LED bulbs for domestic use.

Earlier during the day, Kenyatta was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Pranab Mukherjee welcomed him.

Kenyatta, here on a three-day state visit, later met Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House for official-level talks.

The Kenyan President, who is accompanied by several of his Ministers, arrived in India on January 10. He attended the inaugural session of the three-day Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 at Gandhinagar which was declared open by Modi on Tuesday.