Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings at Aero India 2025 with defence ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. Key discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation through training, capacity building, and signing various MoUs to formalize collaborations. Each meeting emphasized mutual interests in strengthening defence ties and furthering industrial partnerships.
At Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in fruitful bilateral discussions with various international defence ministers, including Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri from Zimbabwe, Lt Gen Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri from Yemen, Aisha Mohammed from Ethiopia, Sering Modou Njie from Gambia, and Brigitte Onkanowa from Gabon, in Bengaluru.
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Singh and Kashiri reviewed their bilateral defence cooperation and endorsed collaborative efforts in military training, capacity building, and healthcare for Zimbabwe’s Armed Forces. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing defence ties and emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration between their ministries.
Discussions with Ethiopia’s Defence Minister indicated mutual satisfaction with strengthening defence ties, leading both parties to agree on an MoU. This agreement aims to enhance military training, peacekeeping, and the capacity building of Ethiopia’s Armed Forces while promoting further collaboration in India’s defence industry, notably the role of the private sector.
Engaging with Yemen’s Defence Minister, the focus was on amplifying initiatives in military training and capacity enhancement. Both leaders expressed commitment to deepening defence cooperation and hoped for continued growth in their bilateral partnerships.
In his conversation with Gambia’s Defence Minister, Singh reiterated the dedication to improving defence collaborations, particularly in capacity building and best practice sharing. They acknowledged the significant opportunities available in the defence sector for mutual advancement.
Finally, discussions with Gabon’s Defence Minister revolved around bilateral cooperation regarding training and enhancing military capabilities. Both representatives expressed interest in potential collaboration within the defence industry.
The bilateral meetings at Aero India 2025 signify a commitment by India to enhance its defence cooperation with several African nations through agreements focused on military training, capacity building, and industrial collaboration. The signing of MoUs showcases the intent to develop deeper strategic ties that can benefit both India and its partners in various defence sectors.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
