INDIA-KENYA
| Establishment of Relations | 1963 |
| Brief History | India and Kenya are maritime neighbours. The contemporary ties between India and Kenya have now evolved into a robust and multi-faceted partnership, marked by regular high-level visits, increasing trade and investment as well as extensive people to people contacts. The presence of Indians in East Africa is documented in the ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ or Guidebook of the Red Sea by an ancient Greek author written in 60 AD. A well-established trade network existed between India and the Swahili Coast predating European exploration. India and Kenya share a common legacy of struggle against colonialism. Many Indians participated and supported the freedom struggle of Kenya. |
| Key Visits (President, VP, PM) | Prime Minister’s Visits: 10–11 July 2016 |
| Main Treaties and Agreements | |
| MOUs | Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Bilateral agreement on exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic passports MoU on Defence Cooperation MoU on Cooperation in the field of standardisation, expertise sharing and mutual trade between Bureau of Indian Standards and Bureau of Kenya Standards MoU on Cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management |
| Working Groups | Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs)Joint Commission Meeting (JCM)Joint Business Council (JBC)Joint Trade Committee (JTC) |
| Bilateral Trade – | Total Trade: 2017-18- 2,047.14 USD Million 2016-17- 2,298.64 USD Million 2015-16 – 3,153.40 USD Million 2014-15 – 4,235.36 USD Million Major Imports: petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, vehicles and power transmission equipment Major Exports: soda ash, vegetables,tea, leather and metal scrap plastic, |
| Grant/Loan/Aid | A loan agreement to extend lines of credit of US$ 15 million (as first tranche out of US$ 30 million) to IDB Capital Limited for development of SMEs was signed in July 2016. A Line of Credit agreement of US$ 29.95 million for upgradation of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX East Africa Limited) was signed in July 2016. An LOC agreement of US$ 100 million for Agricultural Mechanization Project was signed in January 2017. |
| Ongoing Negotiations | [For example FTA and Status] |
| Disputes | |
| Key Officials | Ambassador/HC– India to Kenya- H. E. H. E. Mr. Rahul Chhabra Ambassador/HC –Kenya to India – H.E. Mrs Mrs Florence Imisa Weche |
[RUNNING UPDATE – LAST UPDATED ON 20 NOVEMBER TO INCLUDE YEARS 2018-2014 ONLY]
SOURCES:
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.