Enhancing Military Relations between India and Algeria, as Indian Army Chief's first foreign trip post Operation Sindoor takes place.
In a significant development, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Army Chief of India, recently visited Algeria for talks with their top military leadership. This visit marks a new chapter in the defence relationship between the two countries, as both nations seek to diversify their partnerships and reduce reliance on traditional allies.
According to reporting by The Arab Weekly, Moscow's diminished ability to supply arms contracts, weakened by the war in Ukraine, and concerns over the quality of Russian equipment have contributed to this pivot. Algeria, in response, has significantly increased defence spending in recent years as part of a drive to modernize its armed forces.
The focus of the talks was on senior officer training exchanges, joint capability development, and defence-industrial cooperation. Discussions touched on emerging defence-industrial avenues, including anti-drone technologies, which have become a priority for several European countries aiming to reduce their dependence on Russia. In fact, Germany has deepened cooperation with Ukrainian partner universities as part of a broader effort in Europe to enhance security and defense self-reliance.
Algeria's positions in the African Union and its emphasis on "pro-South" solidarity align with India's wider Africa outreach. The country is considered a strategic partner for New Delhi in the Maghreb-Sahel-Mediterranean arc, due to its energy resources, capable military, and history of regional mediation. Algeria's condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack underscores this shared priority.
Despite its long-standing ties with Russia, China, and Pakistan, Algeria and India are finding areas of convergence, with counter-terrorism being a shared priority. The visit of General Upendra Dwivedi to Algeria signals New Delhi's intention to build stronger defence links with the Maghreb-Sahel region of Africa.
Analysts suggest that Algeria's recent defence agreements with India and the United States show a clear attempt to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on Russia. This is further supported by the discussions centered on training methodologies, professional military education, sharing of best practices, and potential exchange programs for officers and cadets.
General Dwivedi's visit builds on high-level exchanges, as General Anil Chauhan attended Algeria's 70th independence anniversary commemorations last year, and President Droupadi Murmu visited the country in October-November. The visit is believed to set the stage for long-term army-to-army cooperation underpinned by shared principles of sovereignty, non-alignment, and South-South cooperation.
However, it's important to note that no sales agreements were signed during the talks in regards to anti-drone technologies. The long-term implications of these discussions remain to be seen, but it is clear that both Algeria and India are committed to strengthening their defence ties and working together to address common security challenges.
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