Ahead of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held meetings with Fiji’s Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua and South Sudan’s Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok in Bengaluru. Key outcomes included enhancing defence cooperation and establishing a joint working group with Fiji, and pursuing a MoU with South Sudan for greater military collaboration.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted bilateral meetings with the Defence Minister of Fiji, Pio Tikoduadua, and the Defence Minister of South Sudan, Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok, in Bengaluru. These discussions took place on the eve of Aero India 2025, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing its defence collaborations with both nations.
During the meeting with the Fijian counterpart, Minister Singh acknowledged the importance of Fiji within the Pacific Island Countries and welcomed the Defence Minister’s inaugural visit to India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with current defence cooperation and committed to institutionalizing the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation established by the MoU signed in 2017, focusing on maritime safety and UN peacekeeping training.
In the engagement with the South Sudanese Defence Minister, Singh expressed gratitude for South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025. Both parties agreed to accelerate efforts towards a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance defence cooperation. The discussions emphasized industry partnerships and increased training exchanges, with the South Sudanese delegation commending India’s role in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Minister Singh shared insights from the discussions via social media, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the nations. He remarked on the positive meeting with the Fijian Defence Minister, which focused on deepening defence relations and formalizing a working group to enhance cooperation. Moreover, he highlighted the ongoing defence engagement with South Sudan, especially in the realm of UN peacekeeping.
The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, opened at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, and serves as a pivotal opportunity for showcasing India’s vision of a “strong, capable, secure and self-reliant India,” as articulated by Minister Singh.
Rajnath Singh’s meetings with the defence ministers of Fiji and South Sudan reflect India’s strategic approach to bolster international defence relations. As highlighted by the recent initiatives leading up to Aero India 2025, India’s engagement with nations like Fiji, a significant player in the Pacific region, demonstrates its intent to enhance maritime security and collaborative training opportunities. Furthermore, strengthening ties with South Sudan underlines India’s commitment to peacekeeping and defense partnerships on the African continent.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral discussions with Fiji and South Sudan signify India’s proactive stance on international defence collaboration and regional security. The agreements made aim to institutionalize defence partnerships and enhance training initiatives in UN peacekeeping, reflecting a broader strategy to establish India as a key player on the global defence stage. The Aero India 2025 exhibition now serves as a platform for showcasing these aspirations.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
