The Kenya Navy has this week hosted four vessels of India’s First Training Squadron for a four-day port visit to the port of Mombasa.
The ships INS TIR, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi are on overseas deployment for the Indian Navy Autumn Term 2025. Their visit gave naval cadets the chance to undergo practical training on board, apart from cementing good relations between the two countries.
On the visit, Acting Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Sushil Prasad and Defence Attaché Captain Velagada Shirdikant called on Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno at Navy Headquarters.
The discussion was on naval maritime security cooperation and strengthening existing naval partnerships.
On 26 September, there was a reception aboard INS Shardul. Guests included Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, senior Kenya Navy officers and other dignitaries.
Apart from the official engagements, the two navies utilized the stopover to commemorate cultural diplomacy.
The Kenya and Indian Navy bands put on a collaborative concert at Mama Ngina Waterfront for celebrations of World Tourism Day.
A yoga session aboard ICGS Sarathi welcomed crew members and Kenya Navy personnel, encouraging wellness and camaraderie.
The authorities clarified the visit was as much in terms of training as it was in fostering cultural and naval ties, where both were keen to reinforce maritime security within the Western Indian Ocean.
