Mera Saansad
Search Search
Manipuri language

Kenya a valued friend and trusted partner of India, bonds between both countries long-standing and rich: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 11, 2016 | 14:40 IST
Kenya is a valued friend and trusted partner of India. The bonds between the two countries are long-standing and rich: PM
Our historical people-to-people ties provide a strong basis to our wide-ranging partnership: PM Modi
India is one of the brightest spot in the world economy. And, Kenya is a land of strong opportunities: Prime Minister
India is Kenya's largest trading partner, and the second largest investor here. But, there is potential to achieve much more: PM
As true and trusted partner, India is ready to share its development experiences and expertise, and capacities to assist in Kenya: PM
India and Kenya are connected by the Indian Ocean. We both have strong maritime traditions: PM Narendra Modi
MoU on Defence Cooperation signed would strengthen our institutional cooperation between our defence establishments: PM in Kenya
Terrorism & rapid spread of radical ideologies pose common challenge to our people, our countries, to the region & whole world: PM

Your Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta,
Deputy President William Ruto,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you, Excellency, for your kind words.
I am delighted to be here in Nairobi. I thank President Kenyatta the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me and my delegation.I am told, Excellency, that your name "Uhuru” means "Freedom”. In a way, the journey of your life has also been the journey of an Independent Kenya. It is an honour for me to be with you today.

Friends,

Kenya is a valued friend and trusted partner of India. The bonds between the two countries are long-standing and rich. We share a common legacy of struggle against colonialism.

Our historical people-to-people ties provide a strong basis to our wide-ranging partnership, which extends:

  • From agriculture and health to developmental assistance;
  • From trade and commerce to investment;
  • Fom closer contacts between our peoples to capacity building; and
  • From regular political consultations to defence and security cooperation.

And, today, President and I reviewed all aspects and full range of our relationship.

Friends,

India is one of the brightest spot in the world economy. And, Kenya is a land of strong opportunities. India is Kenya's largest trading partner, and the second largest investor here. But, there is potential to achieve much more.

President and I agreed that our economies can benefit more:

  • if we nurture greater intensity of commercial links;
  • Take steps towards a more diversified trade basket; and
  • Expand our investment ties further.

This would also enable greater regional economic prosperity. And, in this while governments would play their part, it is the businesses of the two countries that have a key role and responsibility to drive our commercial partnership.In this context, I welcome the India-Kenya Business Forum to be held later today. India and Kenya are two developing countries. We are also two innovation 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. The success of M-Pesa is one such classic innovation that has empowered millions the world over. Both sides have been working together in commercializing innovative technologies, and some of it will be evident at the Business Forum later today.

Friends,

The multifaceted development partnership is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship. Our development priorities are more or less aligned.As true and trusted partner, India is ready to share its development experiences and expertise, and concessional credit and capacities to assist in Kenya's development objectives. We look forward to early implementation of the Indian lines of credit for projects in agricultural mechanization, textiles and the development of the small and medium sector. We are also encouraged by the progress in the power transmission project under an Indian line of credit of 60 million dollars.Kenya's highly successful geothermal sector, and energy efficiency projects such as LED based smart street lighting, are a couple of new areas where we could build our engagement. I understand that health care is President Uhura's key priority. India's strength, especially in pharmaceuticals, can join hands with your priorities to shape an affordable and efficient healthcare system in Kenya. This would not only meet the needs of your society. It could also help Kenya become a regional medical hub. In this regard, I am happy that the prestigious Kenyatta National Hospital will soon have the state of the art made in India cancer therapy machine – Bhabhatron. We are also donating essential medicines and medical equipment for Kenya's public health system, including for the treatment AIDS.

Friends,

We recognize that without the opportunities for the success of our youth, our societies cannot grow. For this, we are ready to partner with Kenya in the fields of education, vocational education and skill development.

Friends,

While we are conscious of our development challenges, President and I also share concerns of security and stability.India and Kenya are connected by the Indian Ocean. We both have strong maritime traditions. As such, our closer cooperation in the field of maritime security occupies an important place in our overall defence and security engagement. The MoU on Defence Cooperation signed just now would strengthen our institutional cooperation between our defence establishments. This would include greater staff exchanges; sharing of expertise and experiences; training and institution building, cooperation in hydrography, and supply of equipment. President and I recognize that Terrorism and the rapid spread of radical ideologies pose a common challenge to our people, our countries, to the region and to the whole world. We have agreed to deepen our security partnership including in the fields of cyber security, combating drugs and narcotics, and human trafficking.

Friends,

Yesterday, President and I had an unforgettable interaction with the Indian diaspora in Kenya. As President Uhura said, they are proud Kenyans even as they cherish their Indian roots. As we shape deeper contacts between our economies and societies, they form a trusted bond and a strong bridge. I am also happy to announce that the vibrant Indian culture, which is already a part of Kenya's rich society, will be showcased in a Festival of India in Kenya later this year.

Excellency, President Uhuru,

In the end, let me once again thank you, the Government of Kenya and its people for the warmest of welcomes that I have received.

And, I and the people of India look forward to welcoming you in India.

Thank you.
Thank you very much..

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
প্রধান মন্ত্রীনা শ্রী রাম জন্মভুমি মন্দির দ্বাজরোহন উৎসবতা পীখিবা ৱারোলগী মৈতৈলোন্দা হন্দোকপা

Popular Speeches

প্রধান মন্ত্রীনা শ্রী রাম জন্মভুমি মন্দির দ্বাজরোহন উৎসবতা পীখিবা ৱারোলগী মৈতৈলোন্দা হন্দোকপা
View All
India identifies 102 GWp floating solar potential, eyes new push for reservoir-based projects

Media Coverage

India identifies 102 GWp floating solar potential, eyes new push for reservoir-based projects
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
PM chairs 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog
June 11, 2026
Vision of Viksit Bharat should become the collective resolve of every State, district, block and village: PM
PM calls India's 70 crore youth its asset, urges States to transform this Demographic dividend into Development dividend
PM encourages States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and actively attract investments from countries with which India has signed FTAs
States to strengthen ODOP and leverage opportunities in defence manufacturing: PM
PM emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an opportunity and people should be equipped with future ready skills
PM highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address emerging social challenges such as drug abuse and cyber fraud
PM draws attention to concerns arising from El Niño and urges States to conserve water and promote natural farming
CMs/LGs/Administrators congratulate PM Modi on completing 12 years in office
States express solidarity with the Centre to withstand the global geo-political crisis and to strengthen India’s resilience
All States and 5 UTs attend meeting; first time when CMs of all 28 States participate
Theme of meeting : Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, earlier today. This year’s theme was Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047. It was attended by Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators representing 28 States and 5 UTs. This was the first time when Chief Ministers of all 28 States participated in the Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

Prime Minister noted that at a time when many major economies are facing uncertainty and economic challenges, India’s growth story continues to inspire the world. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the nation’s resolve towards self-reliance and highlighted the importance of adopting and implementing global best practices, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

Underscoring the importance of cooperative federalism, Prime Minister stated that the Centre and the States must work together to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat. He stressed that the vision of Viksit Bharat should become the collective resolve of every State, district, block and village.

Highlighting the strength of India’s demographic profile, Prime Minister observed that the country’s youth constitute its greatest asset, with nearly 70 crore Indians below the age of 25 years. Calling this a demographic dividend, he urged States to focus on transforming it into a development dividend through education, skilling and capacity-building initiatives that prepare young people for future opportunities and challenges.

Referring to India’s recently concluded trade agreements with several countries, Prime Minister encouraged States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and to equip stakeholders to effectively leverage the benefits arising from these agreements. He also urged States to actively attract investments from partner countries.

Emphasizing women-led development, Prime Minister called upon States to work towards increasing the number of Lakhpati Didis from 3 crore to 6 crore and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nari Shakti.

Prime Minister urged States to focus on One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and develop export-oriented strategies around it. He also identified defence manufacturing as an emerging sector where India is establishing a distinct identity and encouraged States to formulate policies to leverage the opportunities arising from its growth.

Prime Minister highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address emerging social challenges such as drug abuse and cyber fraud through preventive measures, awareness campaigns and effective governance.

Prime Minister also drew attention to concerns arising from El Niño conditions and appealed to States to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices. He noted that the purchase of 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure by farmers during the current Kharif season reflected growing confidence in sustainable agriculture.

Prime Minister emphasized the need to evaluate progress at the district level, particularly through aspirational district parameters. Prime Minister suggested that on similar lines, 100 districts should be identified in the field of agriculture to bring positive results. He urged the States to take lead in this pursuit so that a phenomenal change can be achieved through the aspirational approach.

Prime Minister emphasised the need for a monitoring framework and targeted 100-day and five-year goals towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Highlighting the importance of good governance, transparency, and infrastructure for attracting investment, he urged States to focus on branding, ease of doing business, and emerging opportunities in sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI should be viewed as an opportunity and called for greater efforts to equip people with the skills required for the future economy.

The Chief Ministers/Lt. Governors/Administrators congratulated Prime Minister Modi on completing 12 years in his office. They also expressed solidarity with the Centre to withstand the global geo-political crisis and to strengthen India’s resilience with respect to energy requirements, and sustain its growth trajectory.

Prime Minister noted that the discussions were constructive and reflected the aspirations, hopes, experiences, best practices, and challenges of the States. Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to all the CMs, LGs and Administrators for participating in the meeting and expressed confidence that Together, through cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to development, India can accelerate its journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.