On the third day of Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The discussions centred on enhancing defence cooperation, military training, and capacity-building efforts.
Strengthening Ties with Zimbabwe
In his meeting with Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, both sides reviewed existing bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to enhance collaboration in military training, capacity building, and military courses for Zimbabwe’s Armed Forces. The two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, expressing confidence that the agreement would deepen ties. They emphasized the importance of regular engagements to effectively implement the MoU, while also exploring avenues for collaboration in defence industries and military medicine.
Expanding Defence Cooperation with Ethiopia
During talks with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, both ministers expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral defence ties. An MoU was signed to institutionalize ongoing cooperation, covering areas such as military training, peacekeeping, and capacity building for Ethiopia’s Armed Forces. The leaders also discussed further collaboration in the defence industry, highlighting India’s private sector’s role in this emerging field.
Deepening Defence Relations with Yemen
Rajnath Singh met with Yemen’s Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, to discuss enhancing engagements in military training, capacity building, and courses for Yemen’s Armed Forces. The meeting aimed to deepen defence cooperation, providing strategic guidance for future initiatives.
Enhancing Collaboration with Gambia
In discussions with Gambian Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence, particularly in capacity building, capability enhancement, and the exchange of best practices. They also highlighted the potential for defence industry collaboration between the two countries.
Boosting Ties with Gabon
The Defence Minister’s meeting with Gabonese Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa focused on bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides pledged to deepen collaboration, particularly in training and capability enhancement for Gabon’s Armed Forces. They also explored potential opportunities in the defence industry sector.
