Kenya-India Airport Deal Sparks Protests and Diplomatic Concerns.

A proposed investment deal between India's Adani Group and Kenya's government to revamp Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has ignited protests in Kenya and sparked concerns in India. The deal, valued at Ksh246 billion (approximately $1.7 billion), would grant Adani a 30-year exclusive concession to operate the airport, with significant control over its operations and infrastructure.

While the Kenyan government argues that the deal is necessary to modernize the aging airport, critics, including the Kenya Aviation Workers Union, fear that it could lead to job losses and privatization. In India, opposition leaders have raised concerns about the potential for the deal to damage India's reputation in Africa and escalate into a diplomatic conflict.

Jairam Ramesh, a leader of the Indian National Congress, has warned that the protests in Kenya could fuel anti-India sentiment. He pointed to similar controversies surrounding Adani's projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which led to unrest and damaged India's image in those countries.

The Adani Group, a conglomerate with close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has faced scrutiny in recent years over its business practices and environmental impact. The Kenya deal has added to the pressure on the Indian government to balance its economic interests in Africa with its diplomatic goals.

As the negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether the Kenyan government will be able to address the concerns of workers and protesters, and whether the Indian government will be able to navigate the delicate diplomatic challenges posed by the deal.