Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who was on an official visit to Maputo, Mozambique from July 28-30 on Monday called on Carlos Agostinho do Rosario, the Prime Minister of Mozambique. Singh and held delegation-level talks with his counterpart Atanasio Salvador M’tumuke.
After the talks, two Memoranda of Understanding – agreement on sharing white shipping information and co-operation in the field of Hydrography – were signed between Government of India and Government of the Republic of Mozambique. The signing of the two MoUs will further strengthen the ongoing Indo-Mozambican Defence co-operation.
The visit witnessed the growing defence co-operation between Mozambique and India, and the potential such collaboration offers for enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Defence Minister announced assistance of communication equipment and highlighted the importance of working together to prevent non-traditional threats like smuggling, terrorism, piracy, poaching, etc. and overall co-operation in the maritime domain.
Defence Minister of Mozambique, Atanasio Salvador M’tumuke briefed Rajnath Singh on the internal security situation and the ongoing Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process.
The defence minister discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations while meeting the Mozambican leaders and noted the excellent Government-to-Government ties, strong business exchanges, vibrant development partnership, and long-standing people-to-people links between the two countries.
Mozambique sought co-operation from India to deal with the growing menace of terrorism and radicalisation. Rajnath Singh assured co-operation and reiterated commitment to work together in this regard.
An elaborate ceremony was held on Monday at Mozambican Naval Headquarters to hand over two India-made Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs) to Mozambique. The handing over certificate was signed by the Director General, Coast Guards of India and Chief of Mozambican Navy.
On his arrival on 28th July, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was accorded Guard of Honour at the Mozambican Army Head Quarters.
In the evening, Singh addressed a gathering of Indian Diaspora and interacted with the community.
India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Mozambique which is cemented by robust development partnership and a large presence of the Indian Diaspora. The visit of RM is expected to further strengthen relations with Mozambique.
