The Indian government has expressed interest in acquiring cheetahs from Kenya during President William Ruto's State visit to the Asian nation.

As reported by The Indian Express, the Indian Ministry of Environment has already submitted the proposal but details surrounding the number of requested cheetahs, the number Kenya is willing to give and timeline for acquisition had not been revealed by the time of publishing this article.

The publication quoted an official from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs who confirmed that the country's Ministry of Environment had formally submitted an application to acquire the cheetahs from the Kenyan government.

India has developed a keen interest in acquiring cheetahs over fears that the animal is becoming extinct within its shores. As it stands, Kuno National Park, which is located in the Northern City of Pradesh is home to 15 surviving cheetahs.

During his meeting with President William Ruto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Kenya's decision to agree to join the Big Cat Alliance, a group whose primary purpose is to conserve the world's seven principal big cats, which include the tiger, lion, snow leopard, leopard, jaguar, puma, and cheetah.

“We will be able to strengthen global efforts for the conservation of big cats.”

This comes after India on Tuesday agreed to lend Ksh38.3 billion to Kenya, funds earmarked for the modernisation of the country's agricultural sector.

President William Ruto and PM Modi witnessed the signing of 5 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between the 2 nations. 

The agreements encompass various economic sectors, including Trade, Agriculture, Security, and Foreign Relations.

India and Kenya also committed to to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism. 

During the Indian trip, President Ruto was also questioned about 2 Indians who went missing in Kenya in the buildup to the 2022 elections.

Dammu Ravi, the Indian Secretary for Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs revealed that President Ruto had appraised India on the case where India is seeking answers on the disappearance of Indian tycoon Zulfiqar Ahmad Khan and his colleague Zaid Sami.