Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was on Tuesday gifted 15 parachutes by his Indian counterpart, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, during his official visit to the Asian nation.
During the handover ceremony, Singh noted that the parachutes manufactured by Gliders India Limited, which include both main and reserve, will be used by the Kenyan Defence Forces in special combat operations, including advance use of weapons.
Singh underscored the historical ties India has with African nations. He reiterated that India enjoys strong bilateral ties with Kenya and exuded confidence that the ties will grow stronger heading into the future.
"Our collaborations in trade, economy, education, health and people-to-people contacts have grown from strength to strength," stated the Indian Minister.
"I am happy to note that both our countries worked closely in the UN Security Council in 2021-22 as non-permanent members. We thank Kenya for their support to the Indian candidature for their 2028-29 term also.”
Duale, on the other hand, appreciated the growing prowess of the Indian Defence industry, including the private sector, and highlighted the areas in which the Indian industry can support the requirements of the Kenyan Forces.
The CS also asked the foreign force to train Kenyan Forces trainers in line with tactics used by the Indian Armed Forces in order to maintain continuity and extract greater benefit out of such programmes.
The CS arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit, aimed at enhancing Defence cooperation between the two nations.
Over the course of this 3-day visit, Duale was hosted by his Indian counterpart, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
“The visiting dignitary is expected to visit Indian shipyards and Defence industries in Goa and Bengaluru during his stay,” the Indian Defence Ministry said in its statement.
“The visit is indicative of the importance India attaches to its relations with African nations and the growing cooperation between India and Kenya, in particular."
The host minister also accorded him a Guard of Honour.
