As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh will be addressing the dialogue.

The dialogue, the first of which took place in Lucknow in 2020, aims to increase India-Africa defence engagement, with India pitting itself as the potential defence procurement market for African countries.

The 13 countries who will represent at the defence ministers level are Angola, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and South Africa.

A release by the Indian defence ministry said that the meet “will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism". &nbsp;

All in all, 37 African countries will be participating at the meet, seven at deputy ministerial level, and the rest 19 at top officials' level.

At the deputy ministers level, countries such as Liberia, South Sudan, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Eswatini and Uganda will participate.

Whereas countries at the official levels participating at the meet are Egypt, Eswatini, Morocco, Comoros, Congo, Niger, Kenya, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Mali, Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda and Zambia.

India has been increasing its defence engagement with the continent in several ways, with focus on New Delhi being the sole destination for the defence requirement needs of Africa, especially on equipment.

Egypt has expressed interest in India's Tejas light combat aircraft. This year saw a key visit by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to the country with a key focus on developing military cooperation, joint training, defence co-production and maintenance of equipment.

India sees Egypt as a hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for Tejas aircraft for the larger African continent.

Under the security cooperation, India has increased its efforts like setting up of Defence Academies and Colleges and deployment of training teams in several African countries.

It has been associated with the establishment of defence institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania and in the past, Indian training teams have worked with their counterparts in Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Uganda, and Namibia.

In 2019, during the visit of Singh to Mozambique, two Indian-made fast interceptor boats (FIBs) were handed to the Mozambican Navy. The boats are being used by the East African country for coastal surveillance.

New Delhi has had growing maritime security cooperation centered around Mauritius and Seychelles, something that is being extended to coastal African nations as well.

Goodwill visits by naval ships and defence training programmes are now a regular part of India’s defence cooperation with African nations.

As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh will be addressing the dialogue. The dialogue, the first of which took place in Lucknow in 2020, aims to increase India-Africa defence engagement, with India pitting itself as the potential defence procurement market for African countries. The 13 countries who will represent at the defence ministers level are Angola, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and South Africa. A release by the Indian defence ministry said that the meet “will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism". All in all, 37 African countries will be participating at the meet, seven at deputy ministerial level, and the rest 19 at top officials' level. At the deputy ministers level, countries such as Liberia, South Sudan, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Eswatini and Uganda will participate. Whereas countries at the official levels participating at the meet are Egypt, Eswatini, Morocco, Comoros, Congo, Niger, Kenya, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Mali, Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda and Zambia. India has been increasing its defence engagement with the continent in several ways, with focus on New Delhi being the sole destination for the defence requirement needs of Africa, especially on equipment. Egypt has expressed interest in India's Tejas light combat aircraft. This year saw a key visit by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to the country with a key focus on developing military cooperation, joint training, defence co-production and maintenance of equipment. India sees Egypt as a hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for Tejas aircraft for the larger African continent. Under the security cooperation, India has increased its efforts like setting up of Defence Academies and Colleges and deployment of training teams in several African countries. It has been associated with the establishment of defence institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania and in the past, Indian training teams have worked with their counterparts in Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Uganda, and Namibia. In 2019, during the visit of Singh to Mozambique, two Indian-made fast interceptor boats (FIBs) were handed to the Mozambican Navy. The boats are being used by the East African country for coastal surveillance. New Delhi has had growing maritime security cooperation centered around Mauritius and Seychelles, something that is being extended to coastal African nations as well. Goodwill visits by naval ships and defence training programmes are now a regular part of India’s defence cooperation with African nations.

African defence ministers to attend India-Africa Defence Dialogue in Gujarat next week

The second&nbsp;India Africa&nbsp;defence dialogue&nbsp;is set to take place on March 12 on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2022&nbsp;in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

While over 20 African defense ministers have confirmed the presence, more are expected to give confirmation as the date nears. From the Indian side, it will be led by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. The&nbsp;biennial&nbsp;DefExpo 2022 will see the participation of around 70 countries at the seminar and will take place from March 10&nbsp;to 14.

The meet comes even as India has been increasing its defense engagement with African countries. First-ever India Africa Defense Ministers Conclave (IADMC) was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2020. One of the key outcomes of the conclave was the Lucknow declaration even as both sides agreed to institutionalize the meet to take place on the sidelines of every DefExpo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-africa-show-robust-support-for-indias-maritime-meet-at-unsc-404401">Also read |&nbsp;Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC</a>

The dialogue aims to give direction to the growing India Africa Defense ties.&nbsp;India has set up Defense Academies and Colleges in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania, deployed training teams in several African countries including Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, sent Indian navy ships on a goodwill mission. Indian defense forces are involved in Humanitarian Assistance in Africa, like for example during Cyclone Idai that stuck Mozambique in 2019, or Indian Navy ships that reached several African countries with medical aid amid covid.

Africa can be a market for Indian defense products. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh handed over two fast interceptor boats to Mozambican Navy during his 2019 visit of the country. The India Africa&nbsp;Defense Dialogue is set to take place in the backdrop of the India Philippines Brahmos deal, the biggest Defense export in the history of Independent India and this is something that the Indian side is expected to highlight.

Meanwhile, talks between India, and Africa have started as to when to hold the next India Africa summit. The last India Africa summit took place in 2015 when the leadership of all African countries had visited Delhi to take part in the summit.

The second India Africa defence dialogue is set to take place on March 12 on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. While over 20 African defense ministers have confirmed the presence, more are expected to give confirmation as the date nears.

The second India Africa defence dialogue is set to take place on March 12 on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. While over 20 African defense ministers have confirmed the presence, more are expected to give confirmation as the date nears. From the Indian side, it will be led by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. The biennial DefExpo 2022 will see the participation of around 70 countries at the seminar and will take place from March 10 to 14. The meet comes even as India has been increasing its defense engagement with African countries. First-ever India Africa Defense Ministers Conclave (IADMC) was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2020. One of the key outcomes of the conclave was the Lucknow declaration even as both sides agreed to institutionalize the meet to take place on the sidelines of every DefExpo. Also read | Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC The dialogue aims to give direction to the growing India Africa Defense ties. India has set up Defense Academies and Colleges in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania, deployed training teams in several African countries including Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, sent Indian navy ships on a goodwill mission. Indian defense forces are involved in Humanitarian Assistance in Africa, like for example during Cyclone Idai that stuck Mozambique in 2019, or Indian Navy ships that reached several African countries with medical aid amid covid. Africa can be a market for Indian defense products. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh handed over two fast interceptor boats to Mozambican Navy during his 2019 visit of the country. The India Africa Defense Dialogue is set to take place in the backdrop of the India Philippines Brahmos deal, the biggest Defense export in the history of Independent India and this is something that the Indian side is expected to highlight. Meanwhile, talks between India, and Africa have started as to when to hold the next India Africa summit. The last India Africa summit took place in 2015 when the leadership of all African countries had visited Delhi to take part in the summit.

Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday invited foreign defence companies to participate in the next edition of the DefExpo, saying India is open to conducting business on a mutually beneficial and collaborative approach in the spirit of "give and take".

In an address at an ambassadors' roundtable on the upcoming expo, Singh said India's defence exports have grown by 334 per cent in the last five years and now India is exporting military equipment to more than 75 countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-home-minister-amit-shah-spends-night-at-crpf-camp-in-pulwama-423990" hreflang="en">Union home minister Amit Shah spends night at CRPF camp in Pulwama</a>

He said the upcoming DefExpo will provide an overview of what India has been able to achieve in terms of defence research and development, production and application of modern technologies for use by the military.

Gandhinagar in Gujarat will host the 12th edition of India's mega defence exhibition, the DefExpo, from March 11-13 next year.

The roundtable was aimed at briefing the ambassadors of foreign missions on the planning, arrangements and other details of DefExpo 2022.

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Had an amazing interaction with the Ambassadors of several countries at the Ambassadors’ Round Table in New Delhi. 
 
Invited the foreign defence companies to participate in Asia’s largest defence exhibition in Gandhinagar, Gujarat to be held next year.<a href="https://t.co/BBWMwlNO3z">https://t.co/BBWMwlNO3z</a> <a href="https://t.co/9riol39y4Z">pic.twitter.com/9riol39y4Z</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1452585474283900930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The defence ministry said more than 200 delegates, including ambassadors, heads of missions and defence attaches, attended the roundtable, reflecting the growing global interest in the Indian defence space.

Singh also reiterated the government's commitment to the collective security system laid down in Chapter VII of the UN Charter which deals with action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace and acts of aggression.

"As a responsible nation, we wish to ensure a stable international security system through these collaborations and efforts," he said.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar and other senior officials of the ministry and the government of Gujarat were also present.

"Inviting the foreign delegates to attend DefExpo 2022, Asia's largest defence exhibition, Rajnath Singh said India is open to conduct business on a mutually beneficially collaborative basis, in the spirit of give and take, for all-round welfare of everyone," the defence ministry said in a statement.

The defence minister said he was sanguine that the exhibition will bring all the latest technologies under one roof and provide a myriad of opportunities to the stakeholders in the aerospace and defence industry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-australia-share-an-important-partnership-says-rajnath-singh-412340">India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh</a>

"The Defence Expo-2022 is going to provide an overview of what India has been able to achieve in terms of defence R and D and production, application of modern technologies, liberalised collaborative policies that we have introduced in a short period of 5-7 years," Singh said.

He told the envoys that the participation of their respective countries at the expo will lead to the development of "mutually advantageous relationships" in the defence sector.

"Resurgent India, where defence manufacturing is an identified pillar of growth, will display its ability to take lead at DefExpo 2022. I am confident that pursuing the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, DefExpo-2022 will sow the seeds of successful new ventures and international partnerships," Singh said.

He said a strong defence ecosystem in India shall be ready to serve the defence requirements of its friendly countries.

Singh appreciated the efforts of the Indian defence industry and thanked the foreign aerospace and defence companies for investing in the Indian defence growth story.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-commanders-review-situation-along-lac-with-china-423950" hreflang="en">Indian Army commanders review situation along LAC with China</a>

"It is because of the collaborative efforts of entities from all over the world that our defence exports have grown by 334 per cent in last five years and now India is exporting to more than 75 countries," he said.

"Our export performance is a strong indicator of the quality and competitiveness of our defence products," he added.

The focus of the exhibition will be to showcase India as an emerging hub for the manufacturing of military hardware.

"The defence ministry will remain available and proactively engage through the next four-plus months to develop and build DefExpo-2022 as one of the marquee events as India celebrates its 75 years of independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav," Singh said.

Major global and domestic military firms are expected to participate in the biennial edition of the DefExpo with their latest weaponry and platforms.

The 11th edition of DefExpo had taken place in Lucknow last year.&nbsp;The theme of the upcoming DefExpo will be "India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub", officials said.

The government is expected to highlight measures at the event to transform India into a hub of military manufacturing.

The government has initiated a series of measures in the last couple of years to encourage the domestic defence industry.

In August last year, Singh announced that India will stop the import of 101 weapons and military platforms like transport aircraft, light combat helicopters, conventional submarines, cruise missiles and sonar systems by 2024.

A second negative list, putting import restrictions on 108 military weapons and systems such as next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars, was issued recently.

In May last year, the government announced increasing the FDI limit from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route in the defence sector.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday invited foreign defence companies to participate in the next edition of the DefExpo, saying India is open to conducting business on a mutually beneficial and collaborative approach in the spirit of "give and take".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday invited foreign defence companies to participate in the next edition of the DefExpo, saying India is open to conducting business on a mutually beneficial and collaborative approach in the spirit of "give and take". In an address at an ambassadors' roundtable on the upcoming expo, Singh said India's defence exports have grown by 334 per cent in the last five years and now India is exporting military equipment to more than 75 countries. Also read | Union home minister Amit Shah spends night at CRPF camp in Pulwama He said the upcoming DefExpo will provide an overview of what India has been able to achieve in terms of defence research and development, production and application of modern technologies for use by the military. Gandhinagar in Gujarat will host the 12th edition of India's mega defence exhibition, the DefExpo, from March 11-13 next year. The roundtable was aimed at briefing the ambassadors of foreign missions on the planning, arrangements and other details of DefExpo 2022. Had an amazing interaction with the Ambassadors of several countries at the Ambassadors’ Round Table in New Delhi. Invited the foreign defence companies to participate in Asia’s largest defence exhibition in Gandhinagar, Gujarat to be held next year.https://t.co/BBWMwlNO3z pic.twitter.com/9riol39y4Z — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 25, 2021 × The defence ministry said more than 200 delegates, including ambassadors, heads of missions and defence attaches, attended the roundtable, reflecting the growing global interest in the Indian defence space. Singh also reiterated the government's commitment to the collective security system laid down in Chapter VII of the UN Charter which deals with action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace and acts of aggression. "As a responsible nation, we wish to ensure a stable international security system through these collaborations and efforts," he said. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar and other senior officials of the ministry and the government of Gujarat were also present. "Inviting the foreign delegates to attend DefExpo 2022, Asia's largest defence exhibition, Rajnath Singh said India is open to conduct business on a mutually beneficially collaborative basis, in the spirit of give and take, for all-round welfare of everyone," the defence ministry said in a statement. The defence minister said he was sanguine that the exhibition will bring all the latest technologies under one roof and provide a myriad of opportunities to the stakeholders in the aerospace and defence industry. Also read | India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh "The Defence Expo-2022 is going to provide an overview of what India has been able to achieve in terms of defence R and D and production, application of modern technologies, liberalised collaborative policies that we have introduced in a short period of 5-7 years," Singh said. He told the envoys that the participation of their respective countries at the expo will lead to the development of "mutually advantageous relationships" in the defence sector. "Resurgent India, where defence manufacturing is an identified pillar of growth, will display its ability to take lead at DefExpo 2022. I am confident that pursuing the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, DefExpo-2022 will sow the seeds of successful new ventures and international partnerships," Singh said. He said a strong defence ecosystem in India shall be ready to serve the defence requirements of its friendly countries. Singh appreciated the efforts of the Indian defence industry and thanked the foreign aerospace and defence companies for investing in the Indian defence growth story. Also read | Indian Army commanders review situation along LAC with China "It is because of the collaborative efforts of entities from all over the world that our defence exports have grown by 334 per cent in last five years and now India is exporting to more than 75 countries," he said. "Our export performance is a strong indicator of the quality and competitiveness of our defence products," he added. The focus of the exhibition will be to showcase India as an emerging hub for the manufacturing of military hardware. "The defence ministry will remain available and proactively engage through the next four-plus months to develop and build DefExpo-2022 as one of the marquee events as India celebrates its 75 years of independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav," Singh said. Major global and domestic military firms are expected to participate in the biennial edition of the DefExpo with their latest weaponry and platforms. The 11th edition of DefExpo had taken place in Lucknow last year. The theme of the upcoming DefExpo will be "India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub", officials said. The government is expected to highlight measures at the event to transform India into a hub of military manufacturing. The government has initiated a series of measures in the last couple of years to encourage the domestic defence industry. In August last year, Singh announced that India will stop the import of 101 weapons and military platforms like transport aircraft, light combat helicopters, conventional submarines, cruise missiles and sonar systems by 2024. A second negative list, putting import restrictions on 108 military weapons and systems such as next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars, was issued recently. In May last year, the government announced increasing the FDI limit from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route in the defence sector.

Defence exports have grown 334% in 5 years: Rajnath Singh

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African defence ministers to attend India-Africa Defence Dialogue in Gujarat next week

Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat

Defence exports have grown 334% in 5 years: Rajnath Singh