Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is on a four-day visit to Algeria from August 25-28, 2025, to strengthen defense and security ties between India and the North African nation. This visit, his first overseas tour after Operation Sindoor, highlights India's growing focus on defense diplomacy in Africa.
** 강화 Army-to-Army Cooperation**
The primary goal of General Dwivedi's visit is to reinforce defense and security engagement between India and Algeria, with a particular emphasis on strengthening army-to-army cooperation. Discussions will focus on expanding joint training exercises and capability-building programs. India, which operates similar defense systems to those used by Algeria, is well-positioned to offer operational support, training, and technical expertise. This alignment creates a foundation for deeper interoperability and mutual capability development.
Shared Security Interests and Regional Stability
General Dwivedi will exchange views with Algerian officials on regional and global security challenges, including terrorism. India views Algeria as a vital partner in its outreach to Africa and the Mediterranean, given its strategic location and role as a gateway to the Maghreb-Sahel region. Algeria's position as a security anchor for the Sahel, its energy resources, and its modern military make it a key partner in advancing peace and stability in the wider region.
Defense Industrial Collaboration
The visit will also explore avenues for defense industrial collaboration. As a precursor to General Dwivedi's visit, Indian defense firms showcased their capabilities at a defense seminar in Algiers from July 30 to August 1. This event laid the groundwork for deeper industry and technology cooperation. Algeria is actively seeking to diversify its defense partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on Russia, and India emerges as a natural partner, offering not just equipment and training, but also shared values rooted in non-alignment and South-South cooperation.
High-Level Engagements
General Dwivedi will hold high-level meetings with senior Algerian leaders, including General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, and Lieutenant General Mostefa Smaali, Commander of Land Forces. He will also visit key military institutions, such as the School of Command and Staff at Tamentfoust and the Cherchell Military Academy. He is also scheduled to lay a ceremonial tribute at the Martyrs Memorial.
Building on Momentum
General Dwivedi's visit builds upon a series of high-level engagements between India and Algeria. In November 2024, India and Algeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, establishing a framework for long-term military collaboration. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Algeria from October 31 to November 3, 2024, and participated in the 70th anniversary of Algeria's War of Independence. Earlier in 2025, Algerian Army Chief Lieutenant General Said Chengriha visited India, signaling Algiers' interest in Indian military technology. These interactions indicate a mutual desire to strengthen military ties and explore opportunities for collaboration.
India's Africa Outreach
India is working to expand its defense relationships with African nations. In addition to Algeria, India is also focusing on strengthening defense cooperation with countries like Mozambique, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia. India's approach to Africa is guided by the principles of "Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). This includes offering training programs, providing military hardware, and sharing expertise in defense manufacturing. By deepening its defense partnerships with African nations, India aims to promote regional stability, counter terrorism, and advance its strategic interests in the continent.
