Bharat is intensifying its military diplomacy efforts and the nation will deploy defence attachés to Mozambique, the Ivory Coast, and the Philippines for the first time, aiming to strengthen ties and cooperation. Additionally, Bharat will send defence attachés to Poland, Armenia and Africa. Notably, Bharat is re establishing its military presence in Ethiopia and Djibouti after many decades.
Bharat’s expanded military diplomacy aligns with its broader efforts to deepen engagement with African nations across various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and defence.
As part of the External Affairs Ministry’s ambitious strategy to establish 26 new missions globally, a significant emphasis is being placed on expanding Bharat’s diplomatic footprint in Africa, with 18 missions slated for the continent. Bharat’s proactive engagement extends beyond diplomatic missions; it also includes pivotal efforts to advocate for the inclusion of the African Union in the G20. This initiative was prominently highlighted during the recent summit of the world’s largest economies hosted in New Delhi.
“These postings will send out a message that Africa matters. They will also open up possibilities for military cooperation and arms sales at a time when many African States are working to modernise their militaries,” said an insider.
In a strategic realignment of resources, Bharat is streamlining its deployment of defence attachés by reducing personnel stationed in Russia and the UK, according to sources. This adjustment is driven by the imperative to allocate resources where they are most needed, necessitated by financial constraints preventing the creation of new attaché positions. Consequently, officers released from these rationalisation efforts will be reassigned to nations where defence and security cooperation have gained increased significance.
For instance, a notable outcome of this reallocation is the anticipated posting of one of the two freed-up officers from the UK to serve as Bharat’s inaugural defence attaché to Poland. Previously, military relations with Poland were managed by the Indian defence attaché stationed in the Czech Republic.
Furthermore, Bharat’s decision to deploy defence attachés for the first time to the Philippines and Armenia is a direct response to recent defence agreements between these nations and Bharat. Notably, the Philippines finalised a substantial deal in 2022, valued at nearly $375 million, to procure BrahMos cruise missile batteries, a collaboration between Bharat and Russia. Similarly, Armenia emerged as the maiden foreign buyer of Bharat’s domestically developed Pinaka rocket launcher, cementing the need for enhanced military representation in these countries.
Historically, Bharat has maintained a notable presence of military officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in Russia, primarily to oversee the execution of arms agreements. Until recently, this contingent numbered around 10, with four representing the navy. However, given Russia’s current involvement solely in constructing two frigates for the Indian Navy, without any substantial forthcoming deals, a decision was reached to rationalise the deployment of defence attachés in Russia, as disclosed by insiders.
The role of defence attachés encompasses various critical functions across different diplomatic contexts. In friendly nations like Russia and the US, they actively engage in facilitating the acquisition of new weaponry and military equipment, while also shaping collaborative military endeavours such as joint exercises and training initiatives. Conversely, in nations marked by adversarial relationships, such as China and Pakistan, their responsibilities extend to intelligence gathering and vigilantly monitoring developments in military and security domains.
