Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Fiji and South Sudan’s Defence Ministers to enhance defence cooperation. India and Fiji agreed to formalize a Joint Working Group to deepen maritime security efforts, while discussions with South Sudan focused on expediting a Memorandum of Understanding to improve defence ties and training exchanges. Singh highlighted these partnerships on social media, emphasizing their importance during Aero India 2025.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation. During the meeting with the Fijian Defence Minister, both parties expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaborations and agreed to strengthen their partnership further, including the establishment of the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation initiated by the MoU signed in 2017.
India and Fiji intend to improve Maritime Domain Awareness for maritime safety, exclusive economic zone protection, naval capacity building, and training for UN peacekeepers and defence civilians. This visit signifies India’s commitment to engaging with Fiji, a vital member of the Pacific Island Countries.
In his discussions with South Sudanese Defence Minister Lt Gen Chol Thon J. Balok, Singh expressed appreciation for South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025 and both sides agreed to expedite a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance defence cooperation. The South Sudanese delegation acknowledged India’s contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the commitment to foster training exchanges and industry partnerships.
Post meetings, Minister Singh shared insights on social media, underscoring the importance of reinforcing defence ties with Fiji and South Sudan. He highlighted discussions aimed at institutionalizing the India-Fiji Joint Working Group and reviewing ongoing collaboration with South Sudan in UN peacekeeping initiatives.
The 15th edition of Aero India, being held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, serves as a pivotal platform for advancing India’s vision of a strong and self-reliant country in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Defence cooperation plays a critical role in enhancing international relations, particularly between India and nations like Fiji and South Sudan. Both countries are strategic allies for India, emphasizing maritime security and peacekeeping efforts in their respective regions. The meetings aimed at formalizing existing agreements and establishing new frameworks for collaboration, which are essential for regional stability and security operations, including through the United Nations. Aero India, as Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, is a key venue for showcasing India’s capabilities and fostering defence partnerships globally. It reflects the nation’s ambitions to strengthen its defence industry and international cooperation.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings with his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan marked a significant step toward strengthening defence ties and enhancing cooperative efforts in maritime security and peacekeeping. The establishment of a Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation with Fiji and the initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding with South Sudan are integral to fostering deeper strategic partnerships.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
