India and Algeria held their inaugural Joint Defence Commission (JDC) meeting in New Delhi on March 26-27, 2024. The meeting signifies a strengthening of defence cooperation between the two nations.
Key areas discussed included enhancing bilateral cooperation in defence production, capacity building, training, and exchange of expertise. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existing defence ties and identified new avenues for collaboration.
Specific points of discussion encompassed proposals for joint exercises, technology transfer, and collaborative research and development in defence industries. The potential for Algeria to become a partner in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative was also explored, focusing on defence manufacturing and procurement.
The Indian side highlighted its growing defence industrial ecosystem and invited Algerian participation. Algeria expressed interest in India’s expertise in areas like aerospace, naval systems, and land systems.
The meeting also addressed regional and global security challenges, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to maritime security and combating terrorism. They shared perspectives on maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions.
The JDC agreed to establish a working group to formulate a roadmap for future defence cooperation, including specific timelines and deliverables. This working group will focus on translating the discussions into concrete projects and initiatives.
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Algerian side was headed by Chief of Staff of the Algerian People’s National Armed Forces, General Said Chanegriha. The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold the next JDC meeting in Algeria at a mutually convenient time. This inaugural meeting sets the stage for a more robust and comprehensive defence partnership between India and Algeria.
