Johannesburg: In a significant stride towards enhancing bilateral military collaboration, India and South Africa concluded the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in Johannesburg with the exchange of two strategic agreements in the area of submarine cooperation.
The high-level engagement marks a new chapter in India’s maritime defence diplomacy and underlines the countries’ shared commitment to regional security and innovation in defence technologies.
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The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, while Dr Thobekile Gamede, Acting Secretary for Defence, headed the South African delegation.
The two-day meeting, held on June 23 and 24, 2025, included in-depth deliberations on defence policy, military cooperation, joint R&D, and defence production.
Strengthening Submarine Cooperation and Defence Industry Engagement
One of the central outcomes of the dialogue was the exchange of two bilateral agreements focused on submarine cooperation, a move that reflects India’s growing stature as a global player in underwater naval technologies and South Africa’s interest in advancing its maritime capabilities.
“India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has reached a stage where it can contribute meaningfully to the needs of friendly nations,” said Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary.
“We are pleased to deepen cooperation with South Africa through mutually beneficial initiatives, particularly in the maritime domain.”
India also showcased its increasing proficiency in defence exports and indigenous manufacturing, with both delegations discussing frameworks for joint ventures, technology sharing, and training initiatives.
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JDC Subcommittees Review Military and R&D Cooperation
The two dedicated subcommittees – on Defence Policy and Military Cooperation, and on Defence Acquisition, Production, Research, and Development – presented their progress and recommendations to the JDC, identifying new opportunities for collaboration.
The Indian delegation included senior officials from the Department of Defence, Department of Defence Production, armed services, and the Indian High Commission in Pretoria.
India-South Africa Defence Relations: A Legacy of Strategic Partnership
India and South Africa share a deep-rooted historical relationship based on a common legacy of anti-colonial struggle. The defence partnership dates back to 1996, with the signing of the first MoU on Cooperation in Defence Equipment, later upgraded in 2000.
Today, both nations continue to build on this foundation through joint initiatives in training, submarine cooperation, maritime security, defence production, and strategic technology exchange.
