South Block in New Delhi, which houses the defence and foreign ministry. (Photo for representation)
New Delhi: In a significant strategic move, India is expanding its defence presence by posting defence attachés in several countries across Africa and Asia for the first time. This initiative aligns with India’s broader policy to strengthen strategic ties with key regions amid renewed geopolitical rivalries.
Countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia, and Poland will see the appointment of Indian defence attachés. This decision comes as part of New Delhi’s foreign policy priorities and optimum use of manpower.
A new defence attaché is also being appointed to Djibouti, a tiny African nation that serves as a major maritime gateway around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – a region that is witnessing major hostile actions since Israel’s Gaza campaign began last October. Djibouti is considered a prized location for military bases. China already has a military base in the country. This will be the second defence attaché to hold the post there.
The decision to appoint defence attachés in African countries is in sync with New Delhi’s priority to expand its strategic engagement with the African continent. Several African countries have already expressed interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment, and hardware.
In recent years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges, and aspirations of the “global south” or the developing nations, especially the African continent. India’s ties with the African continent have witnessed a major uptick amid China’s persistent efforts to expand its influence in the African countries.
India is also looking at further expanding defence ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over China’s increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The defence and strategic ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing in the last few years.
