During Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held crucial bilateral talks with Defence Ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, military training, and capacity-building, resulting in several signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to formalize these initiatives.
On the third day of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in multiple bilateral discussions with counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The primary focus of these meetings was to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance military training, and foster capacity-building efforts across these nations.
In his meeting with the Defence Minister of Zimbabwe, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Rajnath Singh assessed the current bilateral defence ties and agreed to bolster collaboration in military training and capacity building. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation and expressed mutual confidence that this agreement would facilitate deeper relations. The ministers emphasized the necessity for regular interactions to implement the MoU effectively, alongside exploring joint initiatives in defence industries and military medicine.
Conversations with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed revealed mutual satisfaction with evolving bilateral defence relations. The leaders formalized their commitment through an MoU that encompasses military training, peacekeeping operations, and capacity-building efforts for Ethiopia’s military. They underscored the significance of India’s private sector in contributing to the growth of the defence industry in the region.
During discussions with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, the focus was on advancing military training engagements and developing Yemen’s Armed Forces’ capabilities. This dialogue aimed to solidify existing ties and provide strategic direction for future defence initiatives between the two nations.
In the meeting with Gambian Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, both leaders emphasized strengthening defence cooperation, particularly relating to capacity enhancement and the exchange of best practices. They recognized the potential for synergistic collaborations within the defence industry, asserting their commitment to a fruitful partnership.
Engagements with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa centered on intensifying bilateral defence cooperation. The two ministers committed to enhancing training and capability-building programs for Gabon’s Armed Forces while exploring collaborative opportunities in the defence industry to further solidify their ties.
In summary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral meetings at Aero India 2025 with representatives from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon showcased India’s commitment to enhancing global defence cooperation. Through a series of signed MoUs and discussions focused on military training and capacity building, India aims to strengthen its defence partnerships across these nations, ultimately fostering greater collaboration in various defence domains.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
