India and Romania sign first Defence Cooperation Agreement

Romania’s Deputy Defence Minister meets with Indian Defence Secretary: Simona Cojocaru, Romania’s deputy defence minister, recently met with India’s defence secretary, Giridhar Aramane, in New Delhi, where the two countries signed their first Defense Cooperation Agreement. Cojocaru emphasised the significance of the pact, saying that it would provide the basis for expanding their military relationship and offering opportunities to work together in various fields. She also mentioned that Romania and India had already worked together in a multinational setting, such as UN missions, and emphasised their joint contribution to enhancing stability and strengthening peace and security.

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Importance of the Defence Pact

Cojocaru also acknowledged the challenging times they were living in, with the multilateral system in crisis. She believed that Romania and India, as NATO and EU members, with the world’s fifth-largest economy and one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, could play a constructive role in overcoming these challenges and strengthening democratic societies based on UN Charter principles and values.

Solidarity with Ukraine Against Russian Aggression

Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cojocaru condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against a sovereign and independent country, which brought numerous challenges threatening stability and security in the region. She stated that Romania, along with like-minded partners, responded in solidarity and unity against tyranny, dictatorship, and the distortion of European history. Cojocaru expressed her country’s full solidarity with Ukraine, mourning the loss of human lives due to indiscriminate attacks by Russian forces against Ukrainian villages and towns.