At Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral talks with defence heads from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, military training, and capacity-building efforts, resulting in multiple Memoranda of Understanding to formalize these collaborations.
On the third day of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a series of bilateral meetings in Bengaluru with defence leaders from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The primary focus of these discussions was to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance military training, and bolster capacity-building initiatives among the participating nations.
The dialogue with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, centered on current bilateral defence cooperation. Both ministers agreed to strengthen military training and capacity-building programs, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to intensify collaboration. They resolved to engage regularly to ensure the MoU’s effective implementation while considering joint ventures in defence industries and military medicine.
In his meeting with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, Minister Singh expressed satisfaction with the advancements in bilateral defence relations. An MoU was signed to formalize their ongoing cooperation, focusing on military training, peacekeeping efforts, and capacity enhancement for Ethiopian Armed Forces. The ministers also discussed opportunities for collaboration within the defence industry, emphasizing the role of India’s private sector.
Engagement with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, aimed at fortifying engagements in military training and capacity-building for Yemen’s Armed Forces. This meeting sought to deepen defence cooperation and establish strategic frameworks for forthcoming initiatives relevant to both nations.
During discussions with Gambian Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, both leaders reiterated their pledge to enhance cooperation in defence, particularly in capacity building and sharing best practices. They recognized potential opportunities for collaboration within the defence industry, establishing a foundation for future initiatives.
The meeting with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa concentrated on advancing bilateral defence cooperation. The ministers committed to enhancing training and capability development for Gabon’s Armed Forces and deliberated on collaborative prospects within the defence industry sector.
In summary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral meetings at Aero India 2025 underscored India’s commitment to enhancing defence cooperation with Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. Key agreements, including several Memoranda of Understanding, were established to facilitate military training, capacity building, and collaboration within the defence industry, highlighting India’s strategic engagement in global defence partnerships.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
