India and Kenya on Monday agreed to boost cooperation in the defence and security, sports and healthcare sectors even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan, said that all those who shelter terrorists should be condemned.
“While we are conscious of our development challenges, (Kenyan) President (Uhuru Kenyatta) and I also share concerns of security and stability,” Modi said in a joint Press statement with Kenyatta following delegation-level talks here.
Seeking to bolster their ties, India and Kenya on Monday decided to deepen and expand cooperation in a wide range of areas as they signed seven pacts, including in the field of avoidance of double taxation, visa, housing and measuring standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after his talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta here, also announced extension of concessional line of Credit of $44.95 million to the African nation to help it in development of small and medium enterprises and textiles.
India will also build a cancer hospital in Kenya to provide quality and affordable healthcare. “The multifaceted development partnership is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship,” Modi said at a joint media interaction with Kenyatta after the talks.
He said Kenyatta and he had “agreed that terrorism and radicalisation is a common challenge for our two countries, the region and the whole world. We have agreed to deepen our security partnership including in fields of cyber security, combating drugs & narcotics and human trafficking.”
Modi pitched for a world free from terror and hate, saying safety and security of people and societies is essential for realising the benefits of economic progress.
“Preachers of hate and violence are threatening the fabric of our society,” he said and asked the youth to build a counter narrative to extremist ideologies.
He also emphasised that those giving shelter to terrorists and using them as political instruments must be condemned, an apparent reference to Pakistan.
later a joint communique was issued which said, “The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to work together in building a new global resolve and strategy for combating terrorism, including expediting the finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.”
Modi said the two countries have shared common interest in the security, including in maritime security, since they are connected by the Indian Ocean.
Kenyatta expressed gratitude to India for the line of credit $29.95 million for upgrading of a textile factory and $15 million for SMEs and building the cancer hospital.
He said he would personally follow up on the implementation of the decisions taken, which he said would go a long way in deepening the bilateral partnership and boosting prosperity.
Kenyatta added that his country is keen to have cooperation in the field of sports, with India having expertise in cricket and Kenya in athletics. The two sides agreed to exchange coaches for training in athletics and cricket as a way of promoting sports cooperation.
Describing Kenya as a “valued friend and trusted partner” of India, Modi said the bonds between the two countries are long-standing and rich, with the two sharing a common legacy of struggle against colonialism.
The Prime Minister said India and Kenya are two developing countries and also two innovative societies.
“And, the important part is that whether it is the process, products or technologies, our innovations are relevant not just to our societies. They also help improve the lives of people in other developing countries,” he said.
Kenya’s highly-successful eothermal sector and energy efficiency projects such as lED-based smart street lighting are a couple of new areas where the two countries can build their engagement, Modi said.
Modi also announced that Festival of India will be held in Kenya later this year to showcase the vibrant Indian culture, which is already a part of Kenya’s rich society.
In the talks, India agreed to share expertise with Kenya on space-based applications, weather forecast and disaster management support.
The communique said the possibility of export of pulses from Kenya to India was also explored.
The Kenyan President requested India to consider expanding training and capacity building programmes in areas such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.
The two leaders also welcomed the setting up of an ICCR Chair for Indian Studies at the University of Nairobi. Prime Minister Modi announced a grant of $1 million for renovation of the Mahatma Gandhi Graduate library at the University of Nairobi, it said.
The communique said in response to Kenya’s request to develop its film industry, India offered to consider deputation of Indian faculty to the School of Film Making in Nairobi.
Noting that capacity building is an essential element in achieving energy access and energy security, India will support training and capacity building in the areas of clean and renewable energy transmission and grid integration of renewable energy network.
The two leaders emphasised the importance of an early reform of the United Nations Security Council, in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories, so that it reflects the current realities and functions in an accountable, representative and effective manner, the communique said.
Modi and Kenyatta agreed to work towards finalising an agreement on cooperation in the blue economy sector.
The Prime Minister of India extended an invitation to President Kenyatta to visit India, which he accepted, said the communique.