New Delhi, Aug 24(HS): Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi is set to embark on a four-day official visit to Algeria from August 25 to 28, in a move seen as a major step towards strengthening India’s outreach in North Africa and expanding strategic defence partnerships.

The high-profile trip follows the recent visits of the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff to Algiers, signaling the growing importance New Delhi attaches to deepening bilateral engagement with Algeria.

During his stay, General Dwivedi will hold a series of high-level meetings with senior Algerian military leadership, including General Saïd 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 the Land Forces.

The Army Chief will also meet India’s Ambassador to Algeria, Dr Swati Kulkarni, and visit prominent military institutions such as the School of Command and Major Staff in Tamentfoust and the Cherchell Military Academy. A ceremonial homage at Algeria’s iconic Martyrs Memorial is also on his itinerary.

Defence officials said the discussions would focus on enhancing Army-to-Army cooperation, exchanging perspectives on regional and global security challenges, and exploring avenues for joint defence industrial collaboration.

The visit comes close on the heels of a Defence Seminar organised in Algiers from July 30 to August 1, where Indian defence firms showcased their technological capabilities, laying the groundwork for possible industrial tie-ups.

Analysts view the COAS’s Algeria visit as a significant opportunity to further consolidate the historic India-Algeria partnership, while giving fresh impetus to shared security interests, defence modernisation, and regional stability cooperation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar