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India

India has announced plans to deploy defence attaches in six strategically important nations: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia, and Poland. This move signifies a notable shift in India's strategic approach, aimed at fortifying relationships amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, India's decision to assign defence attaches to Poland and Armenia for the first time underscores the growing significance of these countries as security partners. The deployment follows a substantial arms deal with Armenia and highlights Poland's emerging role in European security dynamics.

The Ministry of External Affairs intends to establish 26 new missions globally, with a significant focus on Africa, as reported by HT. This expansion reflects India's concerted efforts to deepen ties with the African continent, which has become a pivotal arena for geopolitical competition. Notably, India led initiatives to include the African Union in the G20 during the previous year's summit in New Delhi. The new postings in Africa are poised to underscore the continent's strategic importance and pave the way for enhanced military cooperation and arms sales, particularly as many African nations aim to modernize their armed forces.

India's engagement with Africa has witnessed a remarkable upsurge, partly driven by China's expansive influence in the region. Furthermore, India is exploring avenues to bolster defence cooperation with the Philippines in response to mounting global concerns regarding China's military expansion in the South China Sea.

Defence attaches, also known as military attaches, play a pivotal role in diplomatic missions abroad. They serve as conduits for communication and collaboration between their home country's military and the armed forces of the host nation. Their responsibilities encompass gathering and analyzing military intelligence, nurturing military-to-military relationships, facilitating arms sales and military agreements, and offering assessments on security matters to their respective governments.

In line with these developments, New Delhi is set to appoint a new defence attaché to Djibouti, a strategically significant nation in East Africa. Djibouti holds importance as a major maritime hub linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, making it a coveted location for military bases. This forthcoming deployment will mark the second defence attaché assigned to Djibouti, underscoring India's recognition of the country's strategic value.

India's decision to bolster its diplomatic and military presence in these key regions aligns with its broader strategic objectives. By intensifying engagement with partner nations, India aims to enhance its security posture, expand its influence, and safeguard its interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Through the deployment of defence attaches, India underscores its commitment to fostering robust international partnerships and addressing emerging security challenges in diverse regions across the globe.