Algiers, Aug 25 – In a bid to deepen South–South cooperation, India and Algeria have taken a major step toward boosting bilateral defence relations with the ongoing visit of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi to the North African nation.
General Dwivedi is on a four-day official visit from August 25 to 28, aimed at enhancing army-to-army cooperation, training, and defence capability development. The visit comes close on the heels of high-level engagements, including the visits of India’s President and the Chief of Defence Staff, underscoring the growing importance of Algeria in India’s Africa outreach.
On Sunday, Indian Ambassador to Algeria Swati Vijay Kulkarni hosted a welcome dinner for General Dwivedi, attended by senior Algerian dignitaries, ambassadors, defence attaches, business leaders, think tanks, and academics.
During his stay, General Dwivedi will hold discussions with top Algerian defence officials, including General Said 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 premier institutions such as the School of Command and Major Staff in Tamentfoust and the Cherchell Military Academy. A ceremonial tribute will be paid at the Martyrs Memorial, honouring Algeria’s independence struggle.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit seeks to bolster defence and security engagement, share perspectives on terrorism and regional security, and explore opportunities for defence industrial collaboration in modernisation, logistics, and equipment support.
Officials noted that Algeria’s strategic position as a gateway to the Maghreb–Sahel–Mediterranean region, its energy resources, and its modernised military make it a natural partner for India’s Africa strategy. The Army said the deliberations will help build trust, interoperability, and practical cooperation between the two militaries, advancing shared goals of regional peace and stability.
