New Delhi: Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, is on an official visit to India from September 28 to October 2, 2025, focused on deepening maritime cooperation and bilateral naval ties between India and Kenya. On September 29, he was warmly received by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, in New Delhi, where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
Discussions and Partnerships
Key agenda items discussed during the meeting included operational coordination, training collaboration, hydrographic engagements, and the multilateral Exercise AIKEYME. Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to consolidate partnership under the India–Kenya ‘BAHARI’ Maritime Vision, a strategic framework to enhance security, trade, connectivity, and maritime industry collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Honouring Fallen Soldiers and Training Cooperation
Major General Otieno paid homage to India’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. His itinerary includes visits to the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram and training establishments of the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command in Kochi, aimed at strengthening joint training and capacity-building efforts.
Importance of India-Kenya Maritime Ties
The Kenya Navy is a key maritime partner, actively participating in multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Goa Maritime Conclave, and the Djibouti Code of Conduct – Jeddah Amendment (DCoC-JA). Indian Navy ships recently called at Mombasa as part of a long-range South West Indian Ocean deployment, enhancing professional and social ties with Kenya’s navy.
BAHARI Maritime Vision
BAHARI, meaning ‘Ocean’ in Swahili, is a joint vision statement adopted by India and Kenya focusing on boosting maritime trade, enhancing security, fostering connectivity, advancing capacity development, and improving maritime information sharing. This visionary partnership supports the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, Kenya’s Vision 2030, and underscores mutual respect and cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion of Maritime Cooperation
Major General Otieno’s visit marks a significant milestone in India-Kenya naval relations. The engagement consolidates shared interests in maritime security, economic growth, and regional stability, shaping a robust partnership that benefits both nations and the broader Indian Ocean Region.
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Source: PIB
