Mombasa:The Indian and Kenyan navies have intensified their maritime and defense cooperation following a visit by the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash to Mombasa, which included a joint sea exercise with the Kenya Navy.
According to Kenya News Agency, the INS Tarkash, a guided-missile frigate, was in Mombasa from September 29 to October 2. During the visit, personnel from both navies engaged in professional exchanges and activities to strengthen their operational coordination.
The engagements between the two navies included discussions on navigation and watchkeeping, engineering practices, medical support, and joint operations at sea. The visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) involving INS Tarkash and the Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination.
Furthermore, both navies shared experiences in military healthcare, including telemedicine services available on INS Tarkash. India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, visited the Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa to review the ongoing cooperation and inspect a site designated for an MRI machine donated by the Indian Navy.
The visit also featured community outreach activities, including donations to Sahjanand Special School in Mtwapa, Kilifi, and a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross. INS Tarkash hosted visitors, including students, the Indian diaspora, and the local community.
Naval personnel and the Indian community also participated in a yoga session aboard the ship. A reception co-hosted by Dr. Swaika and Captain Rohit Mishra, commanding officer of INS Tarkash, was attended by representatives of the Kenya Navy and the diplomatic corps.
This visit marks the second by an Indian Navy ship to Kenya this year, following the April visit of INS Trikand. The engagements underscore the growing cooperation between India and Kenya in naval training, medical cooperation, and maritime operations. The two countries are set to hold their inaugural Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks to further strengthen bilateral naval cooperation.
