During Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in fruitful bilateral meetings with defence ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and exploring opportunities in military training and capacity building, reinforcing India’s role in international defence collaboration.
During Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held productive bilateral discussions with defence ministers from several nations including Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The meetings, which took place in Bengaluru, focused on advancing defence cooperation and addressing mutual interests in military training and capacity building.
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both parties evaluated their bilateral defence relationship. They reached an agreement on collaborative efforts encompassing training, military courses, and capacity building for Zimbabwe’s armed forces, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation.
The conversation with Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed was marked by a shared satisfaction regarding their developing defence ties. They decided to formalize these relations through an MoU that will facilitate cooperation in military training, peacekeeping initiatives, and enhancing the capabilities of Ethiopia’s armed forces, particularly through the involvement of India’s private sector in defence production.
Discussions with Yemen’s Defence Minister Lt Gen Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri emphasized the expansion of military training and capacity building initiatives. Both ministers expressed their commitment to deepening defence collaboration and looked forward to enhancing their bilateral partnerships in these vital areas.
During the meeting with Gambia’s Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, there was a mutual reaffirmation of their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation. The focus was placed on capacity building and the exchange of best practices, recognizing the extensive potential for collaboration within the defence industry.
In his final meeting with Gabon’s Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa, Rajnath Singh discussed multiple facets of bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions highlighted a collaborative interest in training and capability enhancement of armed forces, as well as exploring opportunities within the defence industry.
In summary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s engagements at Aero India 2025 underscored India’s commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation. Through constructive dialogues and signed agreements with various countries, India aims to enhance military collaboration, share expertise, and explore opportunities within the defence sector, thereby fostering deeper bilateral ties across the globe.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
