India is preparing to expand its defence presence abroad, with plans to establish defence wings in 20 additional countries. The expansion would add to India’s network of defence representatives serving abroad.
The new postings would be implemented in two phases and include countries in Africa, Europe and Latin America. Poland, Algeria, Ethiopia and Mozambique are among those identified for the first phase, while Morocco, Mexico, Cambodia and Rwanda are among countries listed for the second phase.
Defence attachés and advisers would be posted to these missions, with priority reportedly given to countries interested in purchasing Indian defence equipment but without an Indian defence attaché. The objective is to deepen military engagement, promote defence exports and improve India’s understanding of partner countries’ security requirements.
India’s defence diplomacy extends beyond arms sales. Military training, information exchanges, maritime security cooperation, counter-terrorism and defence technology partnerships can form part of strategic relationships. Recent official engagements with Morocco and Mozambique have included defence industry cooperation, joint exercises, training and maritime security.
The expansion also comes as India continues to advocate reform of the United Nations Security Council. New Delhi has called for a more representative Council and sought wider international support for its longstanding demand for permanent membership. India launched its campaign for a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2028-29 in July.
The defence-wing expansion could strengthen India’s diplomatic and strategic outreach, although any direct link between new postings and progress toward permanent UNSC membership remains a matter of policy and diplomacy.
