India announced a $250 million line of credit to Kenya for modernizing its agricultural sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in defense, trade, energy, digital public infrastructure, and healthcare. After their talks, the two sides signed five pacts for cooperation in sports, education, digital solutions, and unveiled a joint vision document for maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean region.
India also raised concerns about two missing Indian nationals in Kenya, identified as Zulfiqar Ahmad Khan and Zaid Sami Kidwai. Reports suggested they may have been abducted and possibly killed by a disbanded unit. Modi emphasized India’s commitment as a development partner for Kenya and offered to share achievements in digital public infrastructure.
The two leaders agreed on a $250 million line of credit for Kenya’s agricultural sector. Dammu Ravi, from the Ministry of External Affairs, mentioned Kenya offering land for farming to Indian companies and interest in India’s UPI payment system. They also discussed increased cooperation in counter-terrorism and defense, including military exercises and capacity building.
Modi highlighted the importance of Indo-Pacific cooperation and the significant Indian-origin population in Kenya. Ruto invited Indian companies to invest in Kenya, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, green energy, and mobility sectors.
The joint statement expressed gratitude for India’s concessional lines of credit in energy, textiles, and SMEs, as well as defense cooperation agreements between Indian and Kenyan shipyards.
