India strengthens its strategic footprint in Africa as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Chad’s envoy explore new avenues of military cooperation, training, and counter-terrorism collaboration….reports Asian Lite News
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has held detailed discussions with Chad’s Ambassador to India, Ildjima Badda, as part of New Delhi’s ongoing push to deepen military cooperation with African partners.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on expanding collaboration in military training, capacity building, defence equipment supply, and counter-terrorism. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a post on X that both sides emphasised enhancing cooperation in specialist areas vital to regional stability and shared security.
India’s defence outreach to Chad is part of a broader effort to strengthen its presence in Africa, particularly in nations battling insurgency and terrorism. With Chad facing security challenges in the Sahel region, cooperation with India — known for its expertise in counter-insurgency and peacekeeping — holds strategic significance.
Strengthening a Growing Partnership
India and Chad share traditionally cordial ties, which have grown stronger since New Delhi established its first resident embassy in N’Djamena in May 2023. Until then, Chad was under the concurrent accreditation of the Indian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
India and Chad share traditionally cordial ties, which have grown stronger since New Delhi established its first resident embassy in N’Djamena in May 2023. Until then, Chad was under the concurrent accreditation of the Indian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Chadian armed forces have begun attending specialised defence training programmes in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework. The training focuses on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping — skills increasingly vital for Chad’s armed forces combating extremist threats.
Earlier this year, a four-member Chadian defence delegation led by the Chief of Staff visited India from 10 to 17 February 2025 to attend Aero India 2025, South Asia’s largest defence and aerospace exhibition. The delegation also toured key defence establishments in Bengaluru, Pune, Kanpur and Delhi.
The February visit built on earlier high-level exchanges, marking a significant step in institutionalising defence cooperation. For India, these engagements underline its role as a reliable security partner for African nations seeking capacity-building support.
India’s Broader Africa Engagement
The meeting between the Defence Secretary and the Chadian envoy also comes amid India’s wider diplomatic engagement with Africa and the Global South. Earlier this month, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi met several African military leaders during the United Nations Chiefs of Defence (UNTCC) Conclave in New Delhi.
General Dwivedi held talks with Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga of Uganda and General Alemshet Degife Balcha of Ethiopia on expanding defence cooperation, joint training, and professional military education. These discussions reinforce India’s commitment to supporting African militaries through training, peacekeeping, and technology sharing.
Parallelly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar proposed a “multi-pronged approach” for the Global South to tackle shared challenges during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Attended by 18 nations including Chad, Nigeria, and Indonesia, the meeting highlighted India’s growing diplomatic influence as a voice of the developing world.
Jaishankar called for collective action on development financing, technology, and reform of global institutions such as the UN Security Council. He also suggested that countries of the Global South pool their resources and expertise in key areas including vaccine production, education, and digital transformation.
Together, these defence and diplomatic engagements reflect India’s twin-track strategy — deepening military partnerships while championing a cooperative global order rooted in solidarity among developing nations.
