NAIROBI, Kenya — India has handed over 100 INSAS rifles, 50,000 rounds of ammunition, and a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine to the Kenya Defence Forces during a port call by INS Trikand at the Port of Mombasa, officials said Wednesday.
The visit, running from April 7 to 10, forms part of the vessel’s operational deployment in the Western Indian Ocean Region. The delegation is led by Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Western Naval Command.
According to the High Commission of India in Nairobi, the support is being delivered under a Quick Impact Project aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, aimed at strengthening defence and maritime cooperation.
“Reflecting the growing depth of defence cooperation, the visit also saw the signing of an Implementing Arrangement under a Quick Impact Project (QIP) for the provision of a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine to the Kenya Defence Forces, as well as the handover of 100 INSAS rifles and 50,000 rounds of ammunition,” the mission said in a statement.
During the four-day port call, crew members from INS Trikand are expected to hold professional exchanges with the Kenya Navy to enhance interoperability and share operational best practices.
A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) between the Indian vessel and a Kenyan Navy ship is scheduled before the visit concludes.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan and India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru to discuss expanded cooperation, including training exchanges and capacity building.
In Mombasa, the delegation also held talks with Paul Otieno, focusing on maritime collaboration in the Western Indian Ocean region.
A deck reception aboard INS Trikand brought together senior Kenyan officials, including defence officers, deputy governors from Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Indian diaspora.
Officials described the visit as a symbol of deepening India–Kenya maritime ties and a reaffirmation of shared commitment to regional security, particularly along key shipping lanes in the Western Indian Ocean.
