India and Zimbabwe have taken a significant step toward strengthening their defense relationship, agreeing to broaden military cooperation across several key sectors. The decision was reached during the first-ever meeting of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Defence Committee (JDC), held in New Delhi on Thursday.
Officials from both countries explored opportunities to build upon existing collaboration, particularly in military training programs and the maintenance and operational support of shared air assets. Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation into emerging areas that could further enhance strategic ties between the two nations.
Among the topics highlighted during the meeting were prospects for joint defense manufacturing, counter-terrorism efforts, border security management, and participation in peacekeeping operations. The talks reflected a shared commitment to developing a more comprehensive and future-oriented defense partnership.
The committee meeting was jointly led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary from India’s Ministry of Defence, and Aaron Daniel Tonde Nhepera, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Defence. Nhepera headed a senior 12-member delegation visiting India for a two-day engagement aimed at advancing bilateral defense cooperation.
India’s delegation included officials from multiple defense-related organizations, including representatives from defense production and military medical services. The discussions emphasized practical collaboration and the implementation of initiatives that could benefit both countries in the years ahead.
According to Indian defense officials, the meeting marked an important milestone in translating the goals outlined in the defense cooperation agreement signed by the two nations in early 2025. That agreement, signed by the defense ministers of both countries during Aero India 2025, laid the foundation for deeper military engagement and structured cooperation.
As part of the visit, the Zimbabwean delegation also met with representatives of India’s defense industry at DPSU Bhawan in New Delhi. The interaction focused on identifying areas where industrial collaboration and technology partnerships could be expanded to support mutual defense objectives.
The visit began with a ceremonial tribute at the National War Memorial, where Nhepera honored fallen soldiers by laying a wreath. The gesture underscored the growing goodwill between the two countries, which have maintained friendly relations for decades.
India and Zimbabwe share a longstanding partnership, with India having supported Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. Recent defense engagements, including a defense industry interaction event held in 2025, have further strengthened cooperation and opened new avenues for strategic collaboration between the two nations.
