New Delhi [India], June 24 (ANI): Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led a high-level delegation to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting, held on June 23 and 24. The South African side was represented by Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr. Thobekile Gamede, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The meeting began with opening remarks from both co-chairs, who outlined the agenda and provided strategic guidance to the two sub-committees reporting to the JDC—one on Defence Policy and Military Cooperation, and the other on Defence Acquisition, Production, Research and Development. Both delegations presented overviews of their respective defence industries and highlighted opportunities for mutual collaboration.
Defence Secretary Singh underscored the deep-rooted ties between India and South Africa, anchored in their shared struggle against colonialism and historic solidarity. He expressed satisfaction over the tangible progress made in bilateral defence relations and emphasized India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and exports. Singh reiterated India’s commitment to advancing strategic defence cooperation with South Africa.
Key areas of mutual interest were discussed on the second day of the meeting, culminating in the identification of a roadmap to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Two newly signed agreements related to submarine cooperation were exchanged during the session, marking a significant step in naval collaboration.
The outcomes of discussions held by the two sub-committees were presented to the full JDC, with both sides agreeing on measures to expand defence ties across policy, technology, and industry domains.
India’s delegation included senior officials from the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Armed Services, and the Indian High Commission in Pretoria.
India and South Africa’s defence partnership traces back to the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding on “Cooperation in the Field of Defence Equipment,” which was further strengthened by an upgraded MoU in 2000. Since then, the two nations have continued to develop a robust defence relationship, reflective of their broader diplomatic and strategic alignment. (ANI)
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