India And Zimbabwe Reaffirm Defence Cooperation At Inaugural JDC

10 Jun 2026 CW Team

Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in established areas such as training and the support and maintenance of common air assets, and to explore collaboration in new domains including joint manufacturing, counter-terrorism, border management and peacekeeping. Officials described the talks as a step towards operationalising the objectives set out in the memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation signed during Aero India 2025. The meeting therefore sought to translate ministerial commitments into practical initiatives and engagement timelines.

The Zimbabwean delegation visited the DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi to engage with representatives of the Indian defence industry and to identify potential areas for mutual cooperation in manufacture and logistics support. Discussions encompassed industry partnerships and support mechanisms intended to enhance sustainment of shared platforms and to develop joint projects where capabilities and demand align. The dialogue also covered capacity building through training exchanges and medical services collaboration.

The visit commenced with the Zimbabwean Permanent Secretary laying a wreath and paying homage to the fallen at the National War Memorial in the national capital as a mark of respect and shared military tradition. Participants indicated that the first meeting of the committee had reinforced a steadily deepening bilateral defence partnership and provided a forum for regular consultations. Follow up mechanisms and future meetings were proposed to ensure continuity and to monitor progress against agreed objectives.

The inaugural meeting of the India–Zimbabwe Joint Defence Committee took place in New Delhi on four June 2026 and brought together senior officials to discuss deepening defence ties. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from the Indian side and Permanent Secretary Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, who led a 12-member Zimbabwean delegation on a two-day visit. The Indian delegation included representatives from the Services, the Department of Defence Production and the Armed Forces Medical Services. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in established areas such as training and the support and maintenance of common air assets, and to explore collaboration in new domains including joint manufacturing, counter-terrorism, border management and peacekeeping. Officials described the talks as a step towards operationalising the objectives set out in the memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation signed during Aero India 2025. The meeting therefore sought to translate ministerial commitments into practical initiatives and engagement timelines. The Zimbabwean delegation visited the DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi to engage with representatives of the Indian defence industry and to identify potential areas for mutual cooperation in manufacture and logistics support. Discussions encompassed industry partnerships and support mechanisms intended to enhance sustainment of shared platforms and to develop joint projects where capabilities and demand align. The dialogue also covered capacity building through training exchanges and medical services collaboration. The visit commenced with the Zimbabwean Permanent Secretary laying a wreath and paying homage to the fallen at the National War Memorial in the national capital as a mark of respect and shared military tradition. Participants indicated that the first meeting of the committee had reinforced a steadily deepening bilateral defence partnership and provided a forum for regular consultations. Follow up mechanisms and future meetings were proposed to ensure continuity and to monitor progress against agreed objectives.

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