Strengthening Defence Ties: Rajnath Singh Meets Fiji and South…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in pivotal bilateral meetings with Fiji and South Sudan, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation. Fiji’s Defence Minister visited India, leading to discussions on maritime safety and joint defence initiatives. Singh expressed gratitude to South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025 and the need for a formal defence cooperation agreement. The meetings reflect India’s commitment to strengthening international defence ties.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held significant bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan recently. He welcomed the Fijian Defence Minister, Mr. Pio Tikoduadua, on his first visit to India. Both nations expressed satisfaction with their ongoing defence collaboration and committed to enhancing and diversifying their cooperation.

A key outcome of the meeting included the institutionalization of the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation, grounded in the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding. The discussions also focused on improving Maritime Domain Awareness, ensuring maritime safety, and strengthening naval training for peacekeeping operations.

During the meeting with the South Sudanese Defence Minister, Lt Gen Chol Thon J. Balok, Minister Singh expressed gratitude for South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025. Both leaders reached an agreement to expedite the formation of a Memorandum of Understanding to guide their defence cooperation.

Both parties acknowledged India’s vital contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and emphasized the importance of expanding their bilateral relationship through enhanced training exchanges and industry partnerships. Singh shared insights from his meetings on social media, noting the positive discussions.

Aero India 2025, the 15th iteration of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, commenced at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. Minister Singh highlighted the event as a crucial platform for governmental vision, promoting a “strong, capable, secure, and self-reliant India.”

The meetings between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Fijian and South Sudanese Defence Ministers are part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen defence ties with Pacific Island Countries and African nations. These discussions reflect India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and collaborating on peacekeeping initiatives, which are vital for establishing regional stability. Such diplomatic engagements signify India’s active role in global defence cooperation.

In conclusion, Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral meetings with Fiji and South Sudan underscore India’s efforts to bolster defence collaboration through institutional frameworks, maritime safety enhancements, and participation in global peacekeeping missions. The outcomes of these meetings are a stride towards India’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and ensuring regional security.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com