At Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with the defence ministers of Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon, focusing on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Key discussions included military training, capacity building, and collaboration in the defence industry, leading to the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
During Aero India 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with defence ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon in Bengaluru. These meetings fostered bilateral relations and explored cooperation in various defence sectors, signaling a commitment to deepen military ties across nations.
In the meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, the two leaders evaluated their defence partnership and agreed on areas for collaborative growth such as military training and capacity building for Zimbabwean forces. They formalized their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reaffirmed the necessity of consistent engagement for effective implementation.
Discussions with Ethiopia focused on strengthening defence ties through an MoU aimed at enhancing military training, peacekeeping, and overall capacity building of Ethiopia’s armed forces. Both ministers recognized the potential for collaboration within the defence industrial sector and the role of India’s private sector in this arena.
Regarding Yemen, Rajnath Singh and the Yemeni Defence Minister deliberated on expanding military training opportunities and capacity enhancement initiatives. Their conversations reaffirmed the commitment to advancing and deepening their defence partnership in these domains.
When meeting with Gambia’s Defence Minister, the leaders emphasized the significance of capacity building and the sharing of best practices for mutual advantage. Both sides acknowledged the vast opportunities for cooperation within the defence sector, particularly enhancing capabilities.
Lastly, in his discussion with Gabon’s Defence Minister, Singh explored bilateral defence cooperation. The dialogue centered on enhancing training programs and capabilities of the armed forces, with both sides expressing interest in potential collaborative ventures within the defence industrial landscape.
The recent meetings between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon highlight India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence relations through cooperation in training, capacity building, and industrial collaboration. The signing of MoUs signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing military engagements and fostering mutual development in defence capabilities across these nations.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
