Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Fiji and South Sudan officials, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation. They established the India-Fiji Joint Working Group under a 2017 MoU and discussed maritime security. Singh also thanked South Sudan for attending Aero India 2025, emphasizing the importance of defence partnerships for peacekeeping. The event reinforces India’s vision for a strong defence posture.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently engaged in bilateral discussions with counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan during an official visit in India. Singh warmly welcomed Fijian Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua, marking his inaugural visit to India and expressing mutual satisfaction regarding existing defence cooperation. Both nations seek to enhance their collaboration through the establishment of the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, a framework outlined in the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding.
The discussions highlighted key areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness to bolster maritime safety and security, with a focus on protecting Exclusive Economic Zones and collaborating in naval capacity building alongside training initiatives for UN peacekeepers and civilian defense personnel. This engagement is part of India’s strategy to strengthen ties with Fiji, an influential member of the Pacific Island Countries.
In parallel, Minister Singh met with South Sudanese Defence Minister Lt Gen Chol Thon J. Balok, expressing gratitude for South Sudan’s participation in the upcoming Aero India 2025 event. Both parties committed to fast-tracking a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and acknowledged India’s contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Moreover, Singh shared insights from the meetings on social media platforms. He affirmed, “Had an appreciative meeting with the Defence Minister of Fiji, Mr. Pio Tikoduadua in Bengaluru. Discussed ways and means to further deepen defence cooperation.” Additionally, he remarked, “Met with the Defence Minister of South Sudan Lt Gen Chol Thon J. Balok on the sidelines of AERO India 2025. We reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation, including the UN peacekeeping cooperation.”
The 15th edition of Aero India commenced at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, furthering the government’s vision of a “strong, capable, secure and self-reliant India,” as articulated by Minister Singh. The event serves as a strategic platform for fostering international partnerships in aerospace and defence.
The bilateral meetings between Minister Rajnath Singh and his Fijian and South Sudanese counterparts denote India’s active diplomacy in strengthening defence relationships with nations across the Pacific and African regions. The establishment of the Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation with Fiji is particularly significant, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in the region. Similarly, enhancing cooperation with South Sudan aligns with India’s broader strategic interests in Africa, particularly in peacekeeping matters.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings with the Defence Ministers of Fiji and South Sudan illustrate India’s dedication to deepening defence ties with both nations. The initiatives discussed, including establishing a Joint Working Group with Fiji and enhancing cooperation with South Sudan, demonstrate a strategic approach to fostering international defense partnerships. Additionally, the Aero India event further underlines India’s commitment to becoming a self-reliant powerhouse in aerospace and defence.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
