In a visit that underscores India’s efforts to deepen its strategic engagement in Africa and the Mediterranean, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi will undertake an official visit to Algeria next week, marking his first overseas tour since the Army’s success in Operation Sindoor.

The Army Chief’s trip follows recent visits to Algiers by President Droupadi Murmu and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, both of which laid the groundwork for closer bilateral ties. Defence cooperation is expected to remain at the centre of discussions.

Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s Algeria visit: What’s on agenda?

According to sources, talks will focus on strengthening Army-to-Army engagement, expanding training exchanges, and enhancing capability development initiatives. With Algeria operating equipment similar to India’s, New Delhi is looking to share operational expertise, extend maintenance and training support, and foster collaboration in defence technologies. Defence industrial partnerships—particularly in modernisation, logistics, and equipment support—are also likely to be explored.

General Dwivedi is expected to outline India’s stance on zero tolerance for terrorism and exchange views with Algerian counterparts on regional and global security challenges. Officials said such deliberations could help build trust, interoperability, and practical cooperation between the two militaries.

Why Algeria is important to India?

India sees Algeria as a key partner in its outreach to Africa and the Mediterranean, given Algiers’ role as a strategic gateway to the Maghreb–Sahel–Mediterranean region. Algeria’s standing as a regional security anchor, its energy resources—including oil, gas, and rare earths—and its modernised military make it an important partner in promoting stability across North Africa and beyond.

As a leading voice in the Maghreb–Sahel and an influential member of the African Union, Algeria also carries forward the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement. India’s outreach aims to build on these shared traditions, expanding defence cooperation and diversifying Algeria’s partnerships in line with mutual interests.

General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to give fresh momentum to India–Algeria relations, reinforcing shared values of sovereignty, non-alignment, and South–South cooperation, while paving the way for long-term defence and security collaboration.