Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host the defence ministers of African nations during the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The broad theme of the dialogue was ‘India-Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergising and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.

India and Africa share close historical ties. The country’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. India’s engagement rests on African priorities as outlined by Africans themselves.

The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with DefExpo on February 06, 2020. In continuance of the ‘Lucknow Declaration’ and in consultation with stakeholders, IAAD will be held alternative years on the sidelines of DefExpo. The IADD will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

"The exhibition will also host the 2nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with the participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil," a press release by the defence ministry read.

At the DefExpo 2022, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to display a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies in Gandhinagar, from October 18 to 22.

"DefExpo2022, a premier biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18 – 22, 2022. The 12th edition of Asia’s largest defence event will be highlighting the theme ‘Path to Pride’ aligned with ‘India at 75’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," the defence ministry stated.