Nairobi, Kenya – 29th September 2025:

Nairobi proudly hosted the first leg of a high-level Buyer-Seller Meet organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), in collaboration with the India Kenya Chamber of Commerce (IKCC) and the High Commission of India to Kenya.

The two-day engagement, held on 28th and 29th September 2025, brought together 15 delegates from India representing diverse sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, automotive, food, and plastics, among others.

Established in 1965 under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, FIEO has been at the forefront of catalyzing India’s export growth and trade facilitation. Kenya, with its growing economy and strategic position as a regional hub, presented unique opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. With the strong support of IKBC and the High Commission of India, discussions were vibrant and forward-looking.

Key Remarks were delivered by:

Mr. Rishabh Kumar Rewar, Second Secretary (Commerce & Press), High Commission of India: “India is the fastest growing economy and the trade between India and Kenya amounts to USD 3 Billion.”

Mr. Abhishek Rana, Chairman, IKBC: “such meets are important for both countries as they boost the economies, create jobs and opportunities.”

Mr. Manish Sharma, Joint Director, FIEO: “we are excited to be in Kenya, we see a lot of potential here.”

Dr. Rogers Odima, Advisor to the Governor, County Government of Kiambu: “Kenya is the paving the road for the drivers that I see here, you delegates are most welcome to invest.”

The sessions were ably moderated by Ms. Harleen Kaur Jabbal, Coordinator, IKBC.

Highlights:

Delegates showcased innovative solutions and products, sparking keen interest among Kenyan businesses.

The networking dinner on Tuesday, 29th September 2025, led by Mr. Sushil Prasad, Deputy High Commissioner of India & DPR to UNEP & UN-Habitat,and supported by Mr. Rishabh Kumar Rewar, Second Secretary (Commerce and Press) and Special Assistant to the High Commissioner, provided a dynamic platform for building stronger commercial and cultural ties. “Kenya has fantastic weather but also a great opportunity for many investments, across different sectors and I am grateful that you are giving FIEO a wonderful chance,” he added.

Business leaders from the Kenyan Asian community engaged actively, exploring future deals and collaborative ventures.

The event concluded on a festive note, coinciding with the final night of Navratri, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. Both sides expressed optimism that this engagement would pave the way for stronger India-Kenya trade relations, deeper partnerships, and shared growth.

India Kenya Chamber of Commerce

https://www.ikcc.co.ke/

India Kenya Business Council

https://www.ikbc.co.ke/

(Image by F1 Digitals from Pixabay)

India’s decision to promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) in international trade marks a pivotal shift in its economic strategy. The initiative is not about abandoning existing hard-currency mechanisms, but about creating an additional, resilient settlement channel that strengthens India’s economic position and reduces structural vulnerabilities.

The Strategic Rationale

The global financial system’s dependence on a handful of hard currencies has historically exposed India to volatility, dollar shortages, and high transaction costs. By enabling trade invoicing and settlement in INR—backed by Special Rupee Vostro Accounts—the Reserve Bank of India has created a credible framework to insulate the economy from external shocks. For partner nations, particularly those facing currency constraints or sanctions, INR settlements provide an attractive alternative.

Economic Advantages

At the macro level, reducing demand for dollars helps preserve foreign reserves and stabilizes the balance of payments. At the business level, avoiding double conversions lowers transaction costs and improves competitiveness for Indian exporters. The system also reduces exchange-rate risks, enabling more predictable pricing for trade partners.Collectively, these levers strengthen India’s economic resilience while lowering the cost of global integration.

Strategic and Diplomatic Gains

The adoption of INR in international trade enhances India’s influence in bilateral relationships. For developing economies, it offers a practical route to reduce over-reliance on the dollar, positioning India as a partner of choice in South–South trade. For India, it expands strategic leverage, particularly in regions where currency shortages or geopolitical constraints limit traditional trade flows.

Long-Term Implications

Over time, wider use of INR in trade settlement can elevate the currency’s credibility and accelerate its journey toward partial internationalization. When combined with India’s strength in digital payment infrastructure, the initiative lays the groundwork for the rupee to emerge as a trusted settlement currency across Asia and beyond.

Internationalizing the INR is not merely a financial innovation—it is a strategic play. It lowers systemic risks, cuts transaction costs, and builds economic resilience, while simultaneously enhancing India’s diplomatic capital.

🤝 Strengthening Partnerships

The India Kenya Business Council (IKBC) leadership held a productive meeting with the Senior Leadership Team of Equity Group at the Equity Centre, Nairobi.

🔹 Representing Equity Group were:

• Dr. Anup Das – Group Director, Health

• Ms. Joy DiBenedetto – Group Director, Communications & Global Affairs

• Mr. A Q Hamza – Group Director, International Trade Relations

• Mrs. Mahvish Majid Malik – Associate Director, Trade Relations

• Ms. Irene Irungu – Senior Manager, Trade Relations
  along with other senior leaders.

🔹 Representing IKBC were:

• Mr. Abhishek Rana – Chairman

• Mr. Sanjeev Sehgal – Hon. Secretary

• Mr. Parveen Bajaj - Hon. Treasurer

• Mr. Nikhilesh Srivastava – Member

• Ms. Harleen Jabbal – Coordinator

The discussions focused on exploring synergies in trade, health, investment, and global partnerships between India and Kenya, reinforcing our commitment to stronger bilateral relations.

#IKBC #EquityGroup #IndiaKenyaRelations #BusinessPartnerships #TradeAndInvestment