New Delhi: India and Zimbabwe agreed to deepen defence ties during the inaugural Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in New Delhi, with both sides deciding to expand cooperation in training, maintenance support and new strategic sectors.
The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India and Zimbabwe Permanent Secretary Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, who led a 12-member delegation on a two-day visit. Representatives from the Indian armed forces, the Department of Defence Production and the Armed Forces Medical Services also attended.
Officials discussed ways to strengthen existing collaboration involving common air assets. In addition, both countries explored opportunities in joint manufacturing, counter-terrorism, border management and peacekeeping operations.
The discussions marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral military engagement and expanding cooperation into new areas of mutual interest.
New areas identified under India-Zimbabwe defence cooperation
Both sides noted that the JDC meeting operationalised the objectives of the defence cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed during Aero India 2025. Furthermore, officials expressed confidence that the mechanism would strengthen long-term defence engagement.
The Zimbabwe delegation also visited DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi. During the visit, members held discussions with representatives of the Indian defence industry on potential collaboration opportunities.
Earlier, Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Officials said the meeting reflected the growing defence partnership between India and Zimbabwe and created a framework for future cooperation across multiple strategic sectors.
