India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Adarsh Swaika, has reaffirmed the strong and growing relations between India and Kenya, describing Kenya as one of India’s foremost partners in Africa.
Speaking as Indians in Kenya joined their fellow countrymen to mark the 80th Independence Day in Nairobi, more than 1,200 nationals in Nairobi attending the celebrations highlighted expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and development.
The celebrations, held at India House, featured the hoisting of the Indian National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and readings from the address of the President of India to the nation.
The High Commissioner commended the Indian-origin community in Kenya for its contribution to the country’s socio-economic development and announced the launch of the “Bharat Connection” Oral History Project to document their contributions.
He further noted India’s recent support to Kenya in Ebola preparedness, including the provision of about 16 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment.
The High Commissioner said that the Indian government will continue supporting the Indian diaspora through consular services and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties.
Dr Swaika called on the Indian diaspora to contribute meaningfully to the national goal of Viksit Bharat@2047, the India’s national vision plan to transform the country into a fully developed nation by 2047
He noted India’s rapid and inclusive development, modern infrastructure, digital transformation, growing economic strength and women-led development, while noting the country’s increasing role as a voice of the Global South.
On Kenya-India relations, the High Commissioner described Kenya as one of India’s foremost partners in Africa, citing growing cooperation through high-level visits and institutional engagements
The Nairobi celebrations formed part of Surya Path Tiranga, a global digital relay under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, through which Indian missions around the world joined a sequence marking the movement of the national flag across different time zones.
The event showcased India’s cultural diversity through performances by members of the Indian community in Kenya, while winners of four competitions celebrating Indian heritage, development and aspirations were also recognised.
The celebrations concluded with Indian cuisine and community interactions, with the High Commission saying the large turnout reflected the strong bonds within the Indian diaspora and the enduring friendship between the peoples of India and Kenya.
As part of the commemorations, Dr. Swaika also laid a wreath at the Nairobi South Cemetery in honor of Indian soldiers who died during the First World War.
By Wangari Ndirangu
