Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Fiji’s Pio Tikoduadua to deepen defence cooperation, agreeing to establish the India-Fiji Joint Working Group. He also met South Sudan’s Defence Minister to review ongoing UN peacekeeping efforts. These discussions took place on the sidelines of Aero India 2025.
On February 25, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of India held discussions with Fiji’s Defence Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. The meeting occurred in Bengaluru during the Aero India 2025 event. Both ministers have agreed to establish the India-Fiji Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence to institutionalise their collaboration further. Singh expressed appreciation for the meeting and noted their commitment to strengthening ties.
During the discussions, Tikoduadua highlighted the historical relationship between Fiji and India, expressing a desire to deepen this partnership. Following this engagement, Singh also met with the Defence Minister of South Sudan, Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok, to review their current defence collaboration, specifically focusing on their joint efforts in UN peacekeeping operations. These meetings underscore India’s strategy to expand its international defence relationships.
The meetings between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan mark significant steps in enhancing international defence cooperation. The establishment of the India-Fiji JWG on Defence represents a commitment to institutionalised collaboration, while discussions with South Sudan emphasize India’s involvement in peacekeeping efforts. Such diplomatic engagements reinforce India’s strategic partnerships in the region.
Original Source: www.deccanherald.com
