Nairobi, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a significant move towards strengthening defence ties, India and Kenya convened the fourth session of the Joint Defence Coordination Committee (JDCC) in Nairobi on Tuesday. This meeting primarily aimed at bolstering defence collaboration across various sectors, as articulated in the joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation and the BAHARI maritime vision document.

During the discussions, representatives from both nations expressed their satisfaction with the recent advancements in defence collaboration between India and Kenya.

"The 4th session of the India-Kenya Joint Defence Coordination Committee (JDCC) took place in Nairobi today. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from India's Ministry of Defence, and his Kenyan counterpart, Maj General Fredrick Leuria, ACDF(OPD&T). The delegations engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at enhancing defence cooperation as outlined in the joint MoU on Defence Cooperation and the BAHARI maritime vision document," stated the Indian High Commission in Nairobi on X following the meeting.

"The delegations conveyed their appreciation for the developments in defence cooperation post the 3rd JDCC meeting, which included the participation of the VCDF, KDF in AEROINDIA 2025, the inauguration of the CT Scan complex, the joint unveiling of the India-Africa Commemorative Pillar, multiple visits by Indian Navy and ICG ships to Mombasa, and the visit of the Kenya Navy Commander to India in September 2025 for IFR, MILAN, IONS 2026, alongside the successful execution of the 3rd edition of the India-Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar," they added.

Last month, India and Kenya engaged in talks aimed at reinforcing bilateral defence collaboration, with a focus on defence industrial cooperation, capacity building, training, sustainment partnerships, information sharing, and long-term cooperation in defence exports and maintenance support.

The discussions took place during a visit to Nairobi by a four-member delegation from the Ministry of Defence, aimed at advancing bilateral defence industrial cooperation. The Indian delegation, led by Sanjeev Kumar, Defence Production Secretary, conducted several crucial meetings during its visit to Kenya from January 19-21, as reported by the Indian High Commission in Nairobi on January 22.

During this visit, Kumar showcased India's defence manufacturing and export ecosystem at the 3rd India-Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar, which occurred in Nairobi on January 19. The event was co-hosted by the High Commission of India in Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with support from the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The previous iterations were held in 2022 and 2024.

The Exhibition and Seminar were jointly inaugurated by Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya, alongside Sanjeev Kumar and the High Commissioner of India to Kenya. The event attracted participation from 21 Indian defence companies, representing both public and private sectors, showcasing defence platforms, systems, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The companies participated under the aegis of FICCI, highlighting India's 'Make in India' initiative and export-ready defence solutions.

On the sidelines of the event, the Secretary engaged in extensive discussions with senior Kenyan defence leadership, including Patrick Mariru, Principal Defence Secretary, and Lt Gen John Omenda, Vice Chief of Defence Forces, along with other senior officials.

The Secretary (Defence Production) also paid tribute at the Joint India–Africa Commemorative Pillar at Mile 27, a memorial established by the Government of India and jointly unveiled on June 23, 2025, by the Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya. This memorial, dedicated to the unknown Indian and Kenyan soldiers of World War I, stands as a symbol of shared sacrifice and enduring partnership.