During Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral talks with Defence Ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. Focused on enhancing defence cooperation, these discussions resulted in key agreements aimed at military training, capacity building, and collaboration in defence industries.
On the third day of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a series of fruitful bilateral discussions with Defence Ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon in Bengaluru. The conversations focused primarily on enhancing defence cooperation, military training programs, and initiatives for capacity building across the involved nations.
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Minister Singh reviewed existing defence collaborations and committed to enhancing military training initiatives and capacity building programs specifically for Zimbabwean Armed Forces. The two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to reinforce defence cooperation, asserting the necessity of regular engagements to effectively implement their agreement, while exploring further collaboration in military medicine and defence industries.
During the meeting with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, both parties acknowledged the positive trajectory of bilateral defence relations. They formalized ongoing cooperation by signing an MoU that addresses military training, peacekeeping endeavors, and capacity building measures for Ethiopia’s Armed Forces. They also discussed collaborative opportunities in the defence industry, noting the significant potential of India’s private sector.
Minister Singh held discussions with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, focusing on enhancing military training and capacity development for Yemen’s Armed Forces. The intentions of the meeting were to deepen defence cooperation and to lay the groundwork for future strategic initiatives between the two nations.
Conversations with Gambia’s Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie reaffirmed the mutual commitment to bolster defence collaboration. They concentrated on capacity building and capability enhancement, while also exchanging best practices. Additionally, both ministers recognized the prospects for industry collaboration between Gambia and India.
In his engagement with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa, Minister Singh emphasized the importance of bilateral defence cooperation, pledging to enhance training opportunities and capabilities for Gabon’s Armed Forces. They also explored potential avenues for collaboration in the defence industry, highlighting the strategic benefits of such partnerships.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral talks at Aero India 2025 emphasized India’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation with several nations. By signing various MoUs, the discussions aimed at enhancing military training, capacity building, and industry collaborations reflect a strategic approach toward strengthening international defence relations.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
