Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held successful bilateral meetings with Fiji and South Sudan, discussing ways to enhance defense cooperation. Both nations agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation for maritime safety and training initiatives. The meetings occurred alongside Aero India 2025, underscoring India’s commitment to a robust defense posture.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in significant bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan. During his encounter with the Fijian Defence Minister, both officials expressed satisfaction with their existing defence cooperation and sought to enhance collaboration further. They agreed to establish the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, following a 2017 MoU, with an emphasis on maritime safety and UN peacekeeping efforts.
In his meeting with the South Sudan Defence Minister, Singh acknowledged participation in Aero India 2025 and focused on fostering an effective defense cooperation framework via a Memorandum of Understanding. Both parties reaffirmed commitment to enhancing training exchanges and collaborative industry partnerships.
Singh shared insights of these meetings via social media, reaffirming the strengthening ties with Fiji and South Sudan. He articulated his determination to deepen defense relations and praised their contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. This timely visit highlights India’s proactive strategy to bolster its presence in the Pacific and strengthen partnerships in South Sudan.
The Aero India exhibition commenced, marking a pivotal stage for India to showcase its defense capabilities. Singh emphasized this platform’s significance in advancing India’s objectives of a strong and self-reliant defense posture, aligning with global security dynamics.
The bilateral meetings between India and the defense officials of Fiji and South Sudan stem from India’s broader strategic initiative to strengthen diplomatic and defense relations with key nations. The focus on maritime cooperation with Fiji is particularly crucial given its geographic position in the Pacific, while the engagement with South Sudan reflects India’s commitment to peacekeeping and supporting global security efforts. The Aero India exhibition serves as a backdrop for these discussions, enhancing outreach and collaboration in defense technologies and partnerships.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meetings with officials from Fiji and South Sudan underline India’s commitment to enhancing defense cooperation with global allies. The establishment of the India-Fiji Joint Working Group and the pursuit of a memorandum with South Sudan exemplify proactive diplomatic engagement. Furthermore, the Aero India 2025 exhibition solidifies India’s vision of a robust, self-reliant defense strategy within international frameworks.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
