Rajnath Singh meets Fiji Defence Minister, agree to institutionalize India-Fiji Joint Working Group

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday met Defence Minister of Fiji, Pio Tikoduadua in Bengaluru on the sidelines of AERO India 2025.

Singh said the two agreed to institutionalize India-Fiji Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation.

In a post on X, Singh said, “Had appreciative meeting with the Defence Minister of Fiji, Mr. Pio Tikoduadua in Bengaluru. Discussed ways and means to further deepen defence cooperation. We agreed to institutionalize India-Fiji Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation.”

Earlier in the day, Singh met Defence Minister of South Sudan Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok.

In a post on X, Singh said, “Met with the Defence Minister of South Sudan Lt Gen Chol Thon J. Balok on the sidelines of AERO India 2025. We reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation including the UN peacekeeping cooperation.”

Aero India is a crucial platform that drives forward the government’s vision of a “strong, capable, secure and self-reliant India,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Bangalore on Sunday.

On Monday, Singh will inaugurate the 15th edition of the Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.

Addressing a curtain raiser event for Aero India 2025 at Hotel Taj West End Court here, Singh said through Aero India, “We are not just showcasing defence capabilities, but also strengthening partnerships and collaborations.”

“Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, we have galvanised the entire defence sector, especially the aerospace sector like never before. Today we are not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, but we have also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country. LCA Tejas and LCA Prachand are being produced in India,” the Defence Minister said.

The technologies developed for defence applications often go beyond just military use. They frequently lead to innovations in the civilian area as well. These advancements contribute to employment generation and accelerate economic development, making the defence sector a key driver of India’s economic growth,” he said.

The five-day conclave will provide a unique and unparalleled opportunity for both global and Indian CEOs to drive business expansion and innovation in the defence and aerospace industries, he said.