India and Zimbabwe have agreed to boost their bilateral defence relations by expanding collaboration in various areas, including training and maintenance of shared air assets. The first meeting of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Defence Committee (JDC) was held in New Delhi, where both sides emphasized enhancing defence ties. Discussions also included exploring new avenues such as joint manufacturing, counter-terrorism, border management, and peacekeeping efforts.
The meeting, co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India and Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, highlighted the commitment to deepen defence cooperation. The delegation from Zimbabwe, led by Nhepera, engaged in talks with Indian representatives from the Department of Defence Production Services and Armed Forces Medical Services during their visit.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the JDC meeting operationalized the goals outlined in the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed by the Defence Ministers of both countries during Aero India 2025. The visit also included discussions at the DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi to explore potential areas of mutual cooperation with the Indian defence industry.
India and Zimbabwe have a longstanding relationship marked by mutual support, with India having backed Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in February 2025. Additionally, a Maiden Mini Defence Expo and Industry Interaction was jointly organized by the Ministries of Defence of both countries and the Strategic Research and Growth Foundation (SGRF) India in March 2025.
