India, Kenya bolster cooperation in defence and health

Nairobi: India and Kenya on Monday bolstered their cooperation in the field of defence and health with India handing over 30 field ambulances to Kenya, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the gift of a telecobalt cancer therapy machine and the setting up of a 100-bed cancer hospital in Kenya.

According to a joint statement, the two nations signed agreements in the field of defence cooperation, cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management, agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, agreement between Bureau of Indian Standards and Kenya Bureau of Standards, agreement on Exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic Passports.

Both the countries also signed agreements - on Line of Credit (LoC) Agreement for $15 million to Industrial Development Bank (IDB) Capital Limited, for development of small and medium enterprises and Line of Credit Agreement for $29.95 million to the Government of Kenya for upgrade of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX).

"The Kenyan side noted India's offer of a LoC for acquisition of defence equipment. Both sides agreed to continue cooperating in this sector and to share information and expertise in counter terrorism, cyber security, combating drugs and human trafficking," said the official statement.

"Both sides expressed mutual interest in application of space technology for peaceful purposes. India agreed to share expertise with Kenya on space-based application possibilities addressing natural resources management, weather forecasting and disaster management support," it added.

Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta agreed on the importance of bolstering cooperation in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. 

"Modi announced the gifting of a telecobalt cancer therapy machine - the Bhabhatron II, a donation of essential/Antoretroviral medicines and medical equipment and capacity building/training programmes in the health sector," said the statement.

"The Indian side assured that positive consideration will be given to extend an LoC for the establishment of a 100-bed Cancer Hospital in Kenya," it added.