Editor’s Note
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s bilateral meetings with his counterparts from five African countries are evidence of the growing importance of defence diplomacy in the Indian approach to geopolitics. In effect, geopolitics and geostrategic are intertwined disciplines that lean on each other to achieve national objectives. This article examines the feasibility of further utilising defence diplomacy to enhance India’s influence and interests.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had bilateral meetings with counterparts from five African countries during the Aero India 2025. The discussions were aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Such initiatives, along with the recent decision to add Defence Attachés (DAs) to embassies across Africa, is a welcome step. It signals a growing recognition of the transformative potential of defence diplomacy in India’s foreign policy reach and effectiveness.
On the world stage, defence diplomacy serves as a crucial instrument for nations to build trust, strengthen strategic alliances, and safeguard national interests. Major powers like the United States, Russia, and China have wielded this tool adeptly to amplify their global influence and secure favourable outcomes. While the US boasts a network of 186 DAs that significantly contribute to its strategic goals, India currently maintains a military and diplomatic presence in only around 45 countries. Even Pakistan, with its smaller size, outpaces India in the number of deployed DAs.
The Role of Defence Diplomats
Defence diplomats serve as crucial links between their nations and the defence establishments of host countries. They cultivate strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, key military leaders and defence industry representatives. These interactions foster collaboration on security issues and promote a better understanding of their nation’s strategic priorities.
This role becomes even more critical in today’s complex geopolitical landscape, especially for countries like India, which face security threats transcending national borders, necessitating robust international partnerships. Defence diplomats play a vital role in forging these partnerships, facilitating intelligence sharing, and coordinating joint responses to regional challenges.
Defence diplomacy encompasses a broad spectrum of critical activities beyond traditional military roles. It includes UN peacekeeping operations, joint military exercises, training initiatives, exchange programs, and even sporting events. Defence diplomacy fosters cooperation, serving as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, conventional diplomatic efforts. In essence, defence diplomacy prioritizes peaceful solutions and is inherently constructive.
Indian Experience in Military Cooperation
Since World Wars I and II, India’s defence forces have earned a global reputation for professionalism, bravery, and compassion. A prime example lies in the Korean War, where the 60th Para Field Hospital’s medical and humanitarian assistance earned them lasting recognition from South Korea. This is evident in the frequent visits by senior Korean dignitaries to the unit during their trips to India. This respect for the Indian defence forces extends beyond the Korean War, as demonstrated by the Indian Army’s valour at Haifa, their part in liberating France, and their contributions to Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
This image has further been reinforced due to its contribution to peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. India has distinguished itself as a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, earning global respect and goodwill. An extremely positive track record in training and capacity building has nurtured unique relationships with numerous Asian and African nations. Many senior officers in these countries proudly boast of training under the tutelage of the Indian armed forces.
Regrettably, India has often failed to fully leverage the goodwill earned through these military engagements to achieve its broader foreign policy objectives. Despite strong historical military bonds, India has sometimes lost diplomatic ground in many nations, such as Sudan, Nigeria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The Indian National Defence Academy’s iconic “Sudan Block” is a potent reminder of a strong bond that needs better translation into tangible diplomatic benefits. During recent years, Sudan, a vast East African country, has never had a dedicated Indian Defence Attaché – a situation symptomatic of untapped potential.
Bolstering Diplomatic Initiatives
A stronger, more proactive defence diplomacy apparatus can support India’s foreign policy efforts in several ways:
- Intelligence Sharing: DAs are instrumental in facilitating intelligence exchange with partner nations. This enhances India’s ability to assess regional security threats and devise appropriate countermeasures.
- Defence Sales: Fuelled by the ambitious goal of reaching Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2028-29, India is poised to become a major player in the global arms market. DAs will be instrumental in achieving these targets by conducting market research, fostering relationships with foreign militaries, and facilitating deals.
- Countering Adversaries: India can deepen defence ties with nations facing pressure from common adversaries. This strengthens regional security and enhances India’s strategic leverage.
- Disaster Relief: Defence diplomacy is crucial in coordinating disaster relief efforts, showcasing India’s humanitarian commitment and enhancing its soft power.
- Training and Capacity Building: By training partner nations’ military personnel, India can nurture long-term relationships while promoting regional stability.
The Way Forward
To maximize the benefits of defence diplomacy, India needs a comprehensive roadmap with clear objectives. This would entail:
- Empowering the Ministry of Defence (MoD): The MoD should take a leading role in driving India’s international military cooperation efforts while maintaining close collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It entails developing a strategic defence diplomacy plan, enhancing partnerships, facilitating defence exports, coordinating military exchanges, and managing defence assistance.
- Seamless Integration and Coordination with the MEA: The defence diplomacy efforts should be aligned with broader foreign policy objectives, project a unified message in international interactions, and streamline decision-making for efficient implementation.
- Expanding DA Footprint: A well-planned expansion of the DA network, focusing on regions where India’s strategic interests are most at stake. It entails identifying priority areas, ensuring adequate staffing and resources for DAs, and prioritizing focused engagement with key military and government stakeholders.
- Skill Development: Specialized training for DAs, encompassing diplomacy, geopolitics, and negotiation skills alongside military expertise.
- Leveraging Diaspora: Engaging the vast Indian diaspora in host countries to augment defence diplomacy efforts and facilitate cultural connections.
By proactively bolstering its defence diplomacy, India can project itself as a reliable security partner, strengthen ties with key nations, and secure its interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. It’s time for India to translate its military goodwill into decisive diplomatic advantage.
Maj Gen Gajinder Singh (Retd)
