Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a series of bilateral meetings with officials from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon during Aero India 2025. Key discussions included enhancing defence cooperation, military training, and capacity-building efforts, resulting in various Memoranda of Understanding, which aim to strengthen ties and collaboration in the defence sector.
On the third day of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral discussions with representatives from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon in Bengaluru. The primary focus of these conversations was to bolster defence cooperation, enhance military training, and support capacity-building initiatives.
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both leaders evaluated their existing defence partnership. They agreed to amplify military training and capacity-building efforts, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement is expected to facilitate deeper ties, emphasizing the necessity of regular interactions to ensure its successful implementation.
During his engagement with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, discussions centered on the advancement of bilateral defence relations. The leaders expressed satisfaction with their collaboration and formalized their agreement through an MoU, which encompasses military training, peacekeeping efforts, and capacity building. The role of India’s private sector in the defence industry was also a topic of interest.
Rajnath Singh’s deliberations with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, aimed at strengthening military training initiatives and providing foundational support for Yemen’s armed forces. The discussions were directed toward fostering deeper defence collaboration, paving the way for strategic guidance in future partnerships.
Engagements with Gambia’s Defence Minister, Sering Modou Njie, underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing defence cooperation. They focused on building capacity, improving capabilities, and exchanging best practices, while also considering potential collaborative efforts within the defence industry.
In his meeting with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa, emphasis was placed on reinforcing bilateral cooperation in defence. Both ministers committed to improving training and capability enhancement for Gabon’s armed forces and discussed potential opportunities for collaboration in the defence industry sector.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral talks at Aero India 2025 with representatives from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon were instrumental in laying the groundwork for enhanced defence cooperation. The agreements signed will focus on military training, capacity building, and collaboration in the defence industry, indicating a positive trajectory for India’s international defence relationships.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
