Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Fiji’s and South Sudan’s Defence Ministers in Bengaluru, discussing enhanced defence cooperation. Both parties agreed to institutionalize collaborative frameworks and strengthen maritime security. The meetings occurred alongside Aero India 2025, emphasizing India’s strategic role in global defence.
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted bilateral meetings with two defence counterparts: Pio Tikoduadua from Fiji and Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok from South Sudan in Bengaluru. The discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation and collaboration between India and both nations. Singh emphasized India’s commitment to fostering deeper ties within global defence frameworks.
In his meeting with the Fijian Defence Minister, Singh welcomed Tikoduadua on his first visit to India, expressing mutual satisfaction with ongoing defence collaboration. Both sides agreed to institutionalize the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, established under a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding, and discussed enhancing maritime safety and security measures.
Singh’s dialogue with the South Sudanese Defence Minister revolved around strengthening defence partnerships. The Indian Minister expressed gratitude to Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok for participating in Aero India 2025 and both parties agreed to expedite efforts to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance defence cooperation and training exchanges.
The 15th edition of Aero India, a significant aerospace and defence exhibition, commenced at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, providing a platform for nations to showcase advancements and foster partnerships. Singh underscored the event’s importance in furthering India’s vision of becoming a strong, secure, and self-reliant nation.
In summary, the bilateral meetings highlighted India’s proactive approach in strengthening defence ties with Fiji and South Sudan. Commitments to institutional frameworks and cooperative agreements signal deepening military relations and increased collaboration in training and maritime security.
India’s engagement in global defence has seen an upsurge, particularly with nations in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. The bilateral meetings held by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with representatives from Fiji and South Sudan are part of India’s strategy to enhance defence cooperation. Through such partnerships, India aims to elevate its geopolitical influence and ensure regional stability while promoting its defence industry. Aero India serves as a vital platform to showcase capabilities and foster international relations within the defence sector.
The recent bilateral meetings between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Fijian Defence Minister, and the South Sudanese Defence Minister signify India’s dedication to forging closer defence ties with key nations. Institutionalizing cooperation frameworks, enhancing training exchanges, and advancing maritime security are pivotal steps in this direction. As Aero India 2025 unfolds, it reinforces India’s commitment to a secure and self-reliant national defence strategy.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
