Bengaluru: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia and Gabon on the sidelines of Aero India 2025 here on Wednesday, discussing avenues for enhancing defence cooperation.
Rajnath Singh met Zimbabwean Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, with both sides reviewing the existing bilateral defence cooperation and agreeing to strengthen collaboration in training, military courses, and capacity building of the Zimbabwe Armed Forces.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation was signed, with both leaders expressing confidence that this would lead to further deepening of ties.
Both sides underscored the importance of regular ministerial engagements for the effective implementation of the MoU and affirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in the defence industry for the production and maintenance of assets. Cooperation in military medicine was also discussed.
During Rajnath Singh’s discussions with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed (Eng), both countries expressed satisfaction over the growing bilateral defence ties. Acknowledging the significance of close engagement, an MoU on defence cooperation was signed to institutionalise the ongoing relations.
Both sides explored potential collaboration in military training, courses, peacekeeping, and capacity building of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. Strengthening defence industry cooperation was also discussed, with emphasis on India’s emerging private sector in defence manufacturing.
In his meeting with Yemeni Defence Minister Lt Gen Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, Rajnath took note of increasing engagements in the field of defence. Both leaders deliberated on deepening cooperation in military training, courses, and capacity building of the Yemeni Armed Forces. The discussions provided additional impetus to expanding defence ties between India and Yemen.
The bilateral meeting with Gambian Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie saw both leaders reiterate their commitment to working together in the defence domain. They reaffirmed their intent to enhance cooperation in capacity building, capability enhancement and sharing of best practices for mutual benefit. Both sides highlighted the vast potential for defence industry collaboration.
The Defence Minister’s meeting with his Gabonese counterpart Brigitte Onkanowa provided an opportunity to discuss key aspects of bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders pledged to deepen ties and focused on training and capability enhancement of the Gabonese Armed Forces. The possibility of collaboration in the defence industry was also explored.
The series of high-level bilateral discussions reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering stronger defence partnerships with African and Middle Eastern nations, underscoring India’s growing role as a reliable defence partner in the global arena. UNI
