Rajnath Singh Enhances Defence Ties with Africa’s Defence Ministers
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral talks with counterparts from Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria, focusing on strengthening military cooperation. Key points included plans for joint maritime exercises, discussions on peacekeeping capacity building, and the establishment of Joint Defence Cooperation Committees. The meetings emphasize India’s commitment to forging robust defense ties in Africa.
Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, conducted bilateral meetings with the defence ministers from Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria. These discussions underscored India’s commitment to strengthening defence relationships with these nations, particularly with a focus on collaborative exercises and institutional frameworks for cooperation. The meetings aligned with India’s strategic objectives in Africa, promoting greater military collaboration in various domains.
During the meeting with Algeria’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, both parties explored ways to enhance defence engagement and discussed the potential signing of Terms of Reference for a Joint Commission in the Military Field, aimed at maximizing the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This step signifies a proactive approach to deepen military ties with North African nations.
In the meeting with Zambia’s Defence Minister, both leaders emphasized the enhancement of bilateral defence cooperation, especially within the scope of capacity building and United Nations peacekeeping operations. They also sought to expedite the finalisation of Terms of Reference to establish a Joint Defence Cooperation Committee, reflecting a mutually beneficial partnership.
Furthermore, both sides acknowledged the upcoming Africa-India Maritime Exercise scheduled for April 2025, which marks a significant step in collaborative military engagements. The Aero India event, slated for February 10 to 14, 2025, was also mentioned as a platform to foster defence ties and showcase advancements in aerospace and defence technology.
Overall, these meetings represent a determined effort by India to strengthen its bilateral defence relationships across Africa, focusing on mutual growth, capacity building, and strategic cooperation in military realms.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent meetings with his counterparts from Tanzania, Zambia, and Algeria have established a foundation for enhanced military cooperation. Key areas of focus include the co-hosting of maritime exercises, capacity building for peacekeeping operations, and formalizing agreements to bolster defense partnerships. These initiatives reflect India’s strategic interest in collaborating with African nations to promote regional stability and security.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
