Aero India 2025 day 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Yemen, Ethiopia, Gambia, and Gabon during Aero India 2025. These meetings helped strengthen defence partnerships and cooperation between India and these countries.
Singh and Zimbabwe’s Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri discussed the current defence ties and agreed to work together in training, military courses, and capacity building for Zimbabwe’s armed forces. They signed an MoU on defence cooperation, expressing hope that this would bring their countries closer.
Both leaders stressed the need for regular meetings between their defence ministers to ensure the MoU is effectively implemented. They also spoke about working together in defence industries for production and maintenance of military equipment and discussed military medicine cooperation.
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During his conversation with Ethiopia’s Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, Singh expressed satisfaction with the growing defence relations between India and Ethiopia. Both leaders signed an MoU to formalize their cooperation and discussed collaboration in military training, peacekeeping, and capacity building. They also explored the possibility of working together in defence industries, highlighting the role of India’s private sector.
In his meeting with Yemen’s Defence Minister Lt Gen Mohsen Mohammed Hussein Al Daeri, Singh emphasized the importance of stronger defence cooperation. Both leaders agreed to increase engagement by focusing on military training, courses, and capacity building for Yemen’s armed forces. The discussion provided a fresh push to defence relations between the two nations.
Singh also met with Gambia’s Defence Minister Sering Modou Njie and assured him that India is committed to working closely with Gambia in defence. Both ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in building military capabilities and sharing expertise. They also recognized the potential for defence industry partnerships between their countries.
When Singh met with Gabon’s Defence Minister Brigitte Onkanowa, they both expressed their desire to deepen defence ties. Their discussion focused on training, improving military capabilities, and exploring possible cooperation in the defence industry.
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At the same time, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held separate meetings with several defence officials from other countries. He met with Mozambique’s Defence Secretary Casimiro Augusto Mueio, Sri Lanka’s Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Suriname’s Defence Secretary Jayantkumar Bidesie, Mongolia’s State Secretary Brigadier General Gankhayug Degvadorj, Nepal’s Defence Secretary Rameshwor Dangal, Mauritius’ Defence Secretary Devendre Gopaul, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Defence Secretary Major General Lukwikila Metikwiza Marcel. They all discussed ways to strengthen defence ties and increase cooperation in defence industries.
Later, Rajesh Kumar Singh also met with France’s Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta, Director of the International Directorate of the Directorate General of Armament. They talked about ongoing joint projects and the possibility of future defence industry collaborations between India and France.
