India and Kenya have stepped up maritime and defence cooperation following a four-day visit by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash to Mombasa that culminated in a joint sea exercise with the Kenya Navy.

The Indian Navy’s frontline guided-missile frigate visited Mombasa from September 29 to October 2, during which personnel from the two navies held professional exchanges and participated in activities aimed at strengthening operational coordination.

In a press release today by the Indian High Commission, the engagements covered navigation and watchkeeping, engineering practices, medical support and preparations for joint operations at sea.

The visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) involving INS Tarkash and the Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri off the Mombasa coast, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination between the two forces.

The two navies also exchanged experiences in military healthcare, including telemedicine services available aboard INS Tarkash.

India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, visited Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa to review the ongoing naval cooperation and inspect a site earmarked for the installation of an MRI machine being donated by the Indian Navy to the Kenya Navy.

The visit also included community outreach activities, with the High Commissioner, the Assistant High Commissioner in Mombasa and INS Tarkash personnel visiting Sahjanand Special School in Mtwapa, Kilifi, where donations were made to support the institution.

Indian naval personnel also took part in a blood donation drive organized in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross in Mombasa.

INS Tarkash was opened to visitors during its stay, hosting students from Sahjanand Special School, members of the Indian diaspora and the local community.

Naval personnel from both countries and members of the Indian community also participated in a yoga session aboard the ship.

Swaika and Captain Rohit Mishra, the commanding officer of INS Tarkash, co-hosted a reception aboard the vessel attended by representatives of the Kenya Navy, diplomatic corps and the Indian community.

The visit was the second by an Indian Navy ship to Kenya this year, following the April visit of INS Trikand to Mombasa.

The Indian High Commissioner said the engagements reflected growing cooperation between the two countries in naval training, professional exchanges, medical cooperation and maritime operations.

The two countries are also expected to hold their maiden India-Kenya Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks, which will provide a structured platform for further strengthening bilateral naval cooperation.

By Wangari Ndirangu