INDIA - KENYA TIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, India and Kenya strengthened defense, maritime, and connectivity bonds as the Indian PM held talks with the Kenyan President, announcing a $250 million credit line for agriculture.

• The Government of India undertook to encourage Indian companies for investment in the sector, including in equipment and technology on mutually agreed terms.

Kenya

• About: It is a country in East Africa.
• Capital: Nairobi
• Bordered by: South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
• The headquarters of UN-Habitat is located at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Indian Diaspora in Kenya: Kenya hosts a substantial minority of Indians and Persons of Indian Origin, tracing their ancestry to laborers brought by the British for the construction of the Uganda Railway.
• Historical Connection: The Indian community in Kenya has historical roots tied to British-led projects, particularly the construction of the Uganda Railway.
• International Cooperation: Kenya and India actively engage as members in various international forums such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, Commonwealth of Nations, G-77, G-15, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation.
• Diplomatic Collaboration: The two nations frequently collaborate and cooperate on shared interests within these international fora, fostering diplomatic ties and mutual understanding.