Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted bilateral talks at Aero India 2025 with defense leaders from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon. The discussions focused on enhancing collaborations in military training and capacity building, culminating in several signed memoranda of understanding. This engagement is anticipated to strengthen bilateral relations and support defense industry partnerships.
On the third day of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral discussions with defence leaders from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon in Bengaluru. The meetings emphasized fostering defence cooperation, military training, and capacity-building initiatives across the participating nations.
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both ministers reviewed the existing defence collaboration and agreed to enhance military training and capacity-building efforts. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussed future cooperation in defence industries and military medicine.
During interactions with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, both ministers acknowledged the progress made in defence relations and signed an MoU to formalize ongoing cooperation in areas such as military training and peacekeeping. They also highlighted the growing role of India’s private sector in the defence industry as part of their discussions.
The Defence Minister met with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, to discuss opportunities for enhancing military training and capacity-building initiatives for Yemen’s Armed Forces. This meeting was pivotal in providing strategic guidance for fostering future defence cooperation.
In discussions with Gambia’s Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, the leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing defence collaboration, especially in capacity building and the exchange of best practices. They also explored potential partnerships within the defence industry.
The meeting with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa centered on enhancing bilateral defence ties, with both parties agreeing to advance collaboration in training and capability development for Gabon’s Armed Forces. The discussions included potential opportunities within the defence sector.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings during Aero India 2025 with representatives from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon were instrumental in strengthening bilateral defence relations. Through the establishment of memoranda of understanding, these countries reinforced their commitment to enhanced military training and capacity-building efforts, while also exploring opportunities for collaboration in the defence industry. Such initiatives are expected to contribute to mutual security and strategic partnership in the years to come.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
