Overview

• The 9th Joint Defence Committee convened in Johannesburg on June 23-24 under joint chairs Rajesh Kumar Singh and Thobekile Gamede.
• Delegations exchanged two agreements on submarine cooperation to expand joint naval capabilities.
• Singh emphasized India’s growing defence manufacturing and export prowess as a cornerstone for deeper ties.
• Subcommittees on defence policy and on acquisition, production, research and development reported on industry capabilities.
• The collaboration dates back to a 1996 MoU on defence equipment, upgraded in 2000, underpinning decades of partnership.