Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held productive bilateral meetings with Fiji and South Sudan’s Defence Ministers in Bengaluru prior to Aero India 2025. The discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation through institutionalizing frameworks and improving maritime security. Singh expressed appreciation for the existing collaborations and outlined plans for future partnerships, reflecting India’s commitment to international defence cooperation.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened bilateral meetings in Bengaluru with Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua of Fiji and Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok of South Sudan, ahead of Aero India 2025. The meetings were aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between India and both countries. During these discussions, they explored avenues to deepen collaboration in various sectors of defence and maritime security.
Minister Singh welcomed Mr. Tikoduadua on his initial visit to India. Both parties expressed satisfaction with their current defence collaboration and agreed to further strengthen it. They also decided to formalize the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, established under the MoU signed in 2017, focusing on critical areas such as maritime domain awareness and training for UN peacekeepers.
In his meeting with the South Sudanese Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude for South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025. They agreed to expedite the formation of a Memorandum of Understanding to advance their defence cooperation. Additionally, South Sudan recognized India’s contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, leading to discussions for enhanced training exchanges and industrial collaboration.
Minister Singh shared insights from these meetings on social media, highlighting the progress made in bilateral discussions. His posts contained affirmations of the commitment to advancing defence cooperation with both Fiji and South Sudan, showcasing a focus on institutionalizing collaborative frameworks for deeper engagement between the countries.
The bilateral meetings during Aero India 2025 represent India’s strategic efforts to cultivate and strengthen defence relations with key nations. Fiji is an important partner among Pacific Island Countries, while South Sudan plays a significant role in peacekeeping initiatives in collaboration with the United Nations. The discussions held during these meetings reaffirm India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime security and training capacities in global defence contexts.
In summary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings with his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan showcased India’s dedication to fostering robust defence partnerships. By institutionalizing collaborative frameworks and enhancing training and maritime security efforts, India seeks to fortify its position as a prominent player in international defence relations. These engagements are pivotal as India works towards a more secure and self-reliant national defence posture.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
