The close association between our two countries is, of course, much older. India and Kenya fought together against colonialism: PM
Common belief in democratic values, our shared developmental priorities & the warm currents of Indian Ocean bind our societies: PM
Kenya's participation in Vibrant Gujarat has generated a strong interest in Indian businesses: PM Modi
India would be happy to share best practises in organic farming with Kenyan farmers: PM
The large Indian-origin community of Kenya is a vital and energetic link between us: PM Modi

Your Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta,
Distinguished delegates,
Members of the Media,
Friends,

Exactly six months ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Kenya. President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya received me with great warmth and genuine affection. And, today I am delighted to welcome President Kenyatta and his delegation in India. The close association between our two countries is, of course, much older. India and Kenya fought together against colonialism. Just last month, President Kenyatta recognized the contribution of Makhan Singh, an Indian born trade union leader, joining hands with his Kenyan brothers to help overthrow the colonial order in Kenya. Common belief in democratic values, our shared developmental priorities and the warm currents of the Indian Ocean bind our societies.

Friends,

In our discussions today, President and I reviewed the full range of our relationship. During my visit to Kenya last year, we had identified deepening of economic cooperation as one of the key focus areas of our efforts. In this context, expansion of bilateral trade, greater flow of capital between two economies, and stronger developmental partnership are a priority. Yesterday, President Kenyatta led a strong and high level delegation to the eighth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Your participation in Vibrant Gujarat has generated a strong interest in Indian businesses to connect with commercial and investment opportunities in Kenya. We want, and will encourage, industry and business in both countries to take lead in exploiting opportunities in healthcare, tourism, information technology, agriculture, blue economy and energy. The Joint Business Council meeting tomorrow will work to build commercial engagement through specific projects in these areas. To boost trade, we are also cooperating on trade facilitation measures, including standardization and related areas. Broad based and wide ranging cooperation in agriculture and food security is our shared priority. We are collaborating to raise agricultural productivity in Kenya. The Line of Credit Agreement of $100 million signed for agricultural mechanisation today would open a new dimension of engagement. Long term arrangement with Kenya for production and import of pulses is being explored and discussed. We would also be happy to share best practises in organic farming with Kenyan farmers. In the health sector, Bhabhatron machine has been delivered to the Kenyatta National Hospital for cancer treatment. Related capacity building of the Kenyan doctors is being undertaken under our India Africa Forum Summit initiative. Partnership in Education is creating new connections between our people. We have a strong relationship with the University of Nairobi, where a Chair for Indian Studies has been established by ICCR, and renovation of its library is also being undertaken with Indian assistance. On energy, we value Kenya's support to the International Solar Alliance, and our joint efforts to harness the energy of the sun to power our economic growth.

Friends,

The challenges in the Maritime domain are a shared concern. But we would also explore opportunities in blue economy. We are focused on quick operationalization of our defence cooperation. Some of the specific areas of priority would be hydrography, communications networks, anti-piracy, capacity building, exchanges and defence medical cooperation. We are also partnering to strengthen our security cooperation and capacities. In this context, we have directed the Joint Working Group to meet early. It would focus on cyber security, counter terrorism, combating drugs, narcotics, human trafficking and money laundering.

Friends,

The large Indian-origin community of Kenya is a vital and energetic link between us. I have discussed with President Kenyatta ways to engage them with our trade, investments and cultural exchanges. In our meeting last year, President and I had also agreed to accord close and personal supervision of the implementation of our decisions. We need to ensure its continuing rigour .

Excellency,

Once again, on behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf, I thank you for accepting our invitation and honouring us with your presence, both in Gujarat and in Delhi.

Thank You.
Thank you very much.

 

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Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today turbocharged the BJP’s campaign with a high-energy address in Siliguri, drawing massive public support. Addressing a packed rally in North Bengal, the PM launched a scathing attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, neglect and fostering a climate of fear.

Opening his speech with a personal connect to the region, PM Modi said, “Be it Darjeeling or Siliguri, I have come here many times. Every time, I receive immense love and blessings from the people. Yesterday’s 15-kilometre-long roadshow in Siliguri, filled with enthusiastic participation of youth and women, was truly incredible. Your affection and blessings are my greatest strength.”

He added, “Today’s massive gathering is enough to give sleepless nights to TMC. This rally in Siliguri is signaling the end of TMC’s ‘maha-jungle raj’. Across Bengal, one voice is echoing - ‘Poriborton dorkar, chai BJP sarkar!’”

He underscored what he called 15 years of misgovernance by TMC. “A child who was in Class 1 fifteen years ago is voting in this election today. This is the time to evaluate performance. But TMC has not delivered work, only a record of corruption,” he said.

Highlighting alleged regional neglect, he remarked, “Siliguri is the gateway to North Bengal, yet infrastructure here has been deliberately ignored. Whether it is connectivity, industry or tourism, people have only received neglect. Even the funds sent by the Centre have been siphoned off by syndicates.”

He further criticized the state government’s budget priorities, stating, “While thousands of crores are allocated elsewhere, North Bengal’s development continues to be sidelined. TMC is busy appeasing its vote bank instead of serving all sections equally.”

Emphasising Siliguri’s strategic importance, PM Modi said, “The Siliguri Corridor is not just a geographical term; it is an arm of Mother India. But TMC, driven by appeasement politics, has supported elements that have threatened this vital corridor. The country has a Tukde-Tukde gang and it threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the northeast from the country. TMC, which indulges in appeasement politics, supports such people from the road to Parliament. This is the real face of TMC.”

He contrasted this with the Centre’s development push: “For BJP, Siliguri Corridor represents both national security and prosperity. Projects like the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line will directly connect Sikkim to the national rail network, boosting trade, tourism and employment for North Bengal’s youth.”

Outlining BJP’s roadmap, PM Modi said, “Under a double-engine government, Bengal will see double-speed development. We are committed to building modern engineering and medical colleges, a cancer hospital and a fashion designing institute in North Bengal.”

“We want the children of Bengal to have opportunities to play and excel in sports. That’s why BJP Bengal has announced plans to establish a Sports University in North Bengal. However, the TMC government is restricting the freedom of young women. They have created an atmosphere of fear among parents and women across the state,” he added.

Addressing tea garden workers, the PM noted, “Your tea’s flavour is known to me. But TMC has pushed tea gardens into distress. BJP will ensure land rights, housing, water, electricity, education and healthcare for every worker family.”

Raising concerns over law and order, the PM stated, “TMC has created fear among daughters and their families. “Modi guarantees justice in every case of crime against women. BJP will establish women police stations and help desks in every block and increase women’s recruitment in the police force,” he assured.

Announcing financial support, PM Modi said, “Bengal BJP has pledged ₹3,000 assistance for women. This money will reach directly into their bank accounts without any cut or commission.” “North Bengal is a land of immense talent. Tribal communities and Rajbanshi society have contributed greatly to India’s culture and progress. Our government is committed to preserving their language, traditions and identity,” he added.

In a strong closing appeal, PM Modi urged voters to give BJP an opportunity: “For 70 years, you gave chances to the Left, Congress and TMC. Now give Modi one chance, for the safety of daughters, for jobs for youth, for ending infiltration, for restoring law and order and for bringing back development.” He concluded with a powerful slogan, “Kamal khilao, ghuspaithiya bhagao! End fear, bring trust - this change is possible only with BJP.”