At Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Defence Ministers from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon to discuss enhancing defence ties through military training and capacity building. Multi-faceted agreements, including MoUs, were signed to facilitate cooperation in various aspects of defence.
On the third day of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The focal point of these discussions was to strengthen defence cooperation through military training and capacity-building initiatives.
During his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both leaders reviewed existing bilateral defence ties. They agreed to enhance military collaboration and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering deeper integration. Regular engagements were emphasized to facilitate effective implementation of the MoU, including potential collaborations in defence industries and military medicine.
The dialogue with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed yielded positive outcomes, with both parties expressing satisfaction with burgeoning bilateral ties. They institutionalized ongoing cooperation through an MoU focusing on military training, peacekeeping, and capacity-building for Ethiopia’s armed forces, while exploring collaboration in the defence industry.
In bilateral talks with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, discussions centered around enhancing military training and capacity-building initiatives for Yemen’s armed forces. The meeting aimed to outline strategic guidance for future collaborative efforts in defence cooperation.
With Gambian Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, Defence Minister Singh reaffirmed their mutual commitment to defence cooperation, particularly in capability enhancement and exchanging best practices. The potential for increased collaboration within the defence industry was also recognized as a key area of interest.
The meeting with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa focused on furthering bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders pledged to enhance collaboration specifically in training and capability development for Gabon’s armed forces, while also discussing opportunities for collaboration in the defence industry.
The bilateral discussions conducted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Aero India 2025 highlight India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with various nations. Key agreements such as MoUs with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia demonstrate India’s focus on military training and capacity building. By fostering collaborations in defence industries, these meetings aim to enhance strategic partnerships across the region, contributing to global security initiatives.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
