During Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with defence ministers from Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria to discuss enhancing defence cooperation and addressing strategic issues like terrorism. Agreements were reached to expedite formalizing joint committees and co-host maritime exercises, underscoring India’s focus on fostering international defence relations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted bilateral meetings with key defence ministers from Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria during Aero India 2025. These engagements aimed to strengthen defence relations and explore opportunities for collaboration. Notably, discussions included the potential signing of Terms of Reference for a Joint Commission in the Military Field to optimize the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In his meeting with Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax from Tanzania, Minister Singh addressed issues of cross-border terrorism and bilateral defence cooperation across various sectors, including dockyard development and shipbuilding. Furthermore, both nations expressed enthusiasm for co-hosting the inaugural Africa-India Maritime Exercise scheduled for April 2025.
The meeting with General Saïd Chengriha from Algeria solidified defence partnerships in various fields, emphasizing the need for an enhanced collaborative framework. Additionally, during his dialogue with Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma of Zambia, Minister Singh and his counterpart reviewed opportunities for bolstering defence cooperation focused on capacity building and UN peacekeeping operations. This led to an agreement on fast-tracking the Terms of Reference for forming a Joint Defence Cooperation Committee.
Aero India 2025 is slated to take place from February 10 to 14, 2025, providing a platform for furthering these important discussions and initiatives.
In summary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings with the defence ministers of Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria reflect India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral defence partnerships. Key discussions focused on tackling terrorism, fostering robust defense cooperation, and expediting the establishment of joint defense committees to advance mutual interests. The co-hosting of the Africa-India Maritime Exercise also highlights collaborative efforts in the defense realm.
Original Source: www.news18.com
