In a first, India sends defence attachés to African nations, Armenia, Philippines. What's behind the move?

India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia.

India is increasing its military involvement in the African nation and wants to build stronger strategic relationshipas China is becoming more active in the region.

What’s a defence attaché?

Add WION as a Preferred Source

A defence attaché is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a “representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity,” according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece.

Typically, defense attachés focus on bilateral military and defense relations. According to an article by DCAF, some countries also appoint attachés to handle security issues like migration or matters concerning police and justice.

Additionally, Livemint reported that defence attachés play a role in fostering communication and collaboration between their home country's armed forces and the military of the host nation.

India has begun sending defence attachés to several new countries while reportedly reducing military personnel at its missions in other nations.

According to government sources cited by the Times of India (TOI), around 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Army are being assigned to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, as well as African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast.

This shift follows a streamlining effort that involved reducing the number of military officials at other major missions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, as per the newspaper report.

Also watch |India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines

“Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported,” a source toldTOI.

New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relationwith these countries and boost arms exports. The military officers freed up from the streamlining process will be reassigned to countries with increased importance in defence and security cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)