Strengthening Defence Ties: Rajnath Singh Meets Fijian and South Sudanese Counterparts
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted meetings with Fiji and South Sudan ministers, focusing on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Agreements were made to formalize defence committees and develop strategic partnerships in areas such as maritime security and UN peacekeeping initiatives, particularly showcased during Aero India 2025.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Fiji and South Sudan. During his meeting with the Fijian Defence Minister, both nations expressed satisfaction with their ongoing defence ties and agreed to enhance collaboration. They also established the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation to further strengthen their partnership in areas such as maritime safety and training for UN peacekeepers.
In discussions with the South Sudanese Defence Minister, Singh acknowledged South Sudan’s participation in Aero India 2025. The two sides agreed to expedite efforts towards a Memorandum of Understanding to steer defence cooperation. Both parties recognized India’s contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and agreed to enhance training exchanges, along with fostering industry partnerships.
Singh shared updates from these meetings on social media, highlighting discussions on deepening defence cooperation with Fiji and reviewing ongoing relations with South Sudan. The meetings occurred on the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, which serves as an important platform for promoting India’s vision for a secure and self-reliant nation.
The recent meetings underscore India’s commitment to strengthening defence relationships, particularly with key nations in the Pacific and African regions. Fiji, a vital member of the Pacific Island Countries, is integral to India’s broader engagement strategy in the region. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s geography signifies its strategic importance in African defence matters, particularly in relation to UN peacekeeping operations. Aero India, the backdrop for these discussions, provides a significant forum for showcasing India’s advancements and aspirations in the aerospace and defence sectors, aligning with the government’s objectives of enhancing security and self-reliance.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral discussions with Fiji and South Sudan reflect India’s proactive approach to enhancing international defence cooperation. The formalization of working groups and new memorandums of understanding signifies a strategic commitment to deepen ties in maritime security, peacekeeping, and industry collaboration, thus contributing to regional stability and security.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
