BY RAVNEET SEHMI
An august gathering of diplomats, Indian and Kenyan navy officials, dignitaries, entrepreneurs and friends of the Indian High Commission – both in Nairobi and Mombasa formed as part of the congregation that gathered on 8th October, aboard the Indian Naval Ship Tir, one among three other training squadron fleets that docked at the Mombasa Port.
The High Commissioner of India (HCI) HE Rahul Chhabra and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla both reflected and reiterated on the deep and friendly bilateral relations between India and Kenya.
“We are just finishing celebrations of Dussehra and Ashtami, and continue the celebrations with the arrival of the first training squadron of four ships of the Indian Navy right here in Mombasa. We are happy to have them all with us. Ever since PM Modi’s visit to Kenya and President Kenyatta’s return visit from
India, relations have only been on an upswing,” began HCI’s address. Hon Chhabra also briefly spoke on the impressive work the Indian government has been fronting in Kenya such as trade partnerships over two billion dollars, 50 Indian companies are in operation in Kenya, the newly renovated and largest textile factory – Rivatex and what that means for Kenya’s Big Four Agenda as well as the many future plans the Indian government and HCI plan to roll out.
Also addressing the crowd was the chief guest of the evening, Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade HE Ababu Namwamba. “I want to welcome you most sincerely to Mombasa, all the 810 crew members of the Tir, Shardul, Sujata and the Sarathi vessels that have docked here. You are most welcome to Kenya. I stand here to celebrate the very
special ties between India and Kenya. Ties that are only getting better, deeper and stronger with passing time and year,” he
added.
Sharing the same sentiment, Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla reiterated, “It is indeed an honour for all of us, that we have a distinguished gathering here. The Indian Navy and Kenyan Navy have a special and long-standing relationship. I first came here on a training ship like this in 1981 and was taken in by the culture and friendship, it is a pleasure to be back here again.”
The reception was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and reinforcing co-operation between both countries. Guests socialised and networked aboard Tir as the band churned out music. Some dance performances made for entertainment and thereafter, guests
satiated their appetite with a buffet spread.