India’s Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Kenya and Madagascar from June 23 to 26, in a move aimed at deepening bilateral defence ties and expanding strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the first leg of the visit, the Minister will travel to Taita-Taveta County in Kenya on June 23 for the joint unveiling of a Commemorative Pillar, a war memorial recognising the shared sacrifices of Indian and Kenyan soldiers during World War I and II.
The visit comes at the invitation of the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence, reflecting growing defence and historical ties between the two countries.
Sanjay Seth will then proceed to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, where he will attend two major national events on June 26—the 65th Independence Day of Madagascar and the founding anniversary of the Malagasy Armed Forces.
India shares robust historical and maritime links with both Kenya and Madagascar, dating back to ancient trade routes and colonial-era collaborations.
The Ministry of Defence in New Delhi says the visit signals India’s enduring commitment to the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region, and highlights efforts to expand defence diplomacy and regional partnerships.
The trip is expected to include high-level meetings with defence officials and counterparts, with maritime security, capacity building, and defence training cooperation high on the agenda.
