Defence Attachés posted at Indian embassies and High Commissions abroad will be required to learn the local language and undergo periodic evaluation of their language proficiency, as the Ministry of Defence moves to streamline their role with a greater focus on expanding defence exports and military diplomacy.

A senior Ministry of Defence official said Defence Attachés (DAs) would be assessed on their language skills and other parameters before their appointment and upon completion of their assignments. “There will be an evaluation of language skills and other parameters of DAs before their appointment and when they return from their assignment. The Ministry is actively evaluating the role of DAs appointed at various locations,” the official said.

The move comes amid an expansion of India’s defence diplomatic footprint and a renewed push to leverage military missions abroad to promote defence cooperation, exports and indigenous defence products.

India’s defence exports have risen sharply, from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, an increase of over 5,500% in 12 years. Defence equipment is now exported to more than 80 countries, with the exporter base expanding to 145 companies. The Government has set a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Expanding India’s Defence representation

The Ministry has also expanded India’s defence representation abroad. India had around 50 defence wings in its missions for several years, which has been increased to more than 70, while more than 120 Defence Attachés from over 70 countries are currently posted in India. The Government has recently approved several new Defence Attaché billets for the Army, Navy and Air Force across key regions.

The new deployments include first-time postings in several African countries, besides strategically important locations in Asia and Europe, including the Philippines and Armenia. The expansion is aimed at strengthening military partnerships and responding to a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

The Defence Attaché system is an established instrument of military diplomacy, enabling countries to build institutional relationships, facilitate defence cooperation and support strategic objectives.

In March, Rashtriya Raksha University hosted the Defence Attaché Roundtable 2026, bringing together Defence Attachés, policymakers, academia and industry representatives to discuss defence trade, co-development and emerging technologies.

Published - August 15, 2026 12:05 am IST