India's Strategic Defence Outreach in Algeria: A New Chapter
In a clear demonstration of India’s expanding military diplomacy, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi embarked on a pivotal four-day visit to Algeria, marking his first international engagement post-Operation Sindoor. This trip underscores India’s intent to deepen defence collaboration with Algeria — a key North African player — amidst shifting global alliances and Algeria’s strategic pivot away from Russian dependency.
Contextualizing the Defence Partnership
Nearly 10 months following the signing of a landmark defence cooperation agreement, General Dwivedi's visit included high-level talks with Algeria’s military leadership, notably General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army, and Lieutenant General Mostefa Smaali, Commander of the Algerian Land Forces. The discussions focused on strengthening army-to-army ties, sharing insights on regional and global security challenges, and exploring avenues for defence industrial collaboration.
This engagement is part of India’s broader strategic vision to amplify its military footprint across Africa — a continent witnessing heightened geostrategic competition, especially with China’s aggressively expanding influence.
Algeria’s Defence Realignment
Historically reliant on Russian defence supplies, Algeria is undergoing a noticeable shift, seeking to diversify its military partnerships. The new defence accords with India, alongside similar agreements with the United States, highlight Algiers’ desire to break the decades-old monopoly Moscow held on its military procurement.
This recalibration comes amid Russia’s strained defence production capabilities caused by the Ukraine conflict and growing concerns about the modernization and quality of Russian equipment.
Recent Engagements Building Momentum
- In July-August 2025, India participated in a defence seminar in Algiers, where Indian defence firms showcased advanced military technologies.
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Algeria last year for commemorations of its War of Independence.
- President Droupadi Murmu’s diplomatic trip to Algeria last fall further cemented bilateral ties.
These visits and events highlight an ongoing, sustained effort by New Delhi and Algiers to build a robust defence and diplomatic partnership.
Strategic and Economic Implications
For Algeria, partnering with India offers access to cutting-edge technologies such as drones and precision weaponry, allowing it to modernize its military while reducing dependency on a single supplier. For India, Algeria is not just a strategic ally in North Africa but a foothold into the Sahel region — a security hotspot increasingly relevant to global powers.
Analysts emphasize that this relationship is more than symbolic; it represents a pragmatic geopolitical move by Algeria to diversify away from Russia, whose image and influence have been curtailed by recent geopolitical upheavals.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Global Defence Dynamics
India’s proactive defence diplomacy with Algeria signifies a shift in the global security matrix where middle powers seek diversified alliances to protect national interests amidst rising uncertainty. As Algeria recalibrates its defence strategy to minimize reliance on Moscow and Washington increasingly competes with China for African influence, India positions itself as an influential player in shaping Africa’s security architecture.
Editor’s Note
The growing India-Algeria defence relationship is a microcosm of broader geopolitical realignments reshaping Africa and the wider world. Beyond military ties, this partnership invites us to re-examine how emerging powers like India craft nuanced strategies to extend their global presence without direct confrontation. Key questions remain: How will Algeria balance its partnerships with traditional and emerging powers? Can India sustain and scale this outreach amidst global power rivalries? These developments will be crucial to watch as they unfold.
