CDS Gen Anil Chauhan will visit Algeria from October 31 to November 4

General Anil Chauhan Photo Credit: PTI

Defense Chief General Anil Chauhan will begin a five-day official visit to Algeria from Thursday, where he will sign a defense cooperation agreement, reaffirming military cooperation between the two countries.

The visit underscores the “increasing engagement” between the two countries, which share a commitment to strengthening political and military cooperation, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

CDS General Chauhan’s visit to Algeria comes weeks after President Droupadi Murmu visited the African country on October 13-15 at the invitation of Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. During this trip, Murmu also held bilateral talks with his colleagues.

General Chauhan will embark on an official visit to Algeria from October 31 to November 4, “showing the strengthening of relations between India and Algeria in the field of defense cooperation,” the statement said.

“In an important step, the Chief of Defense will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, guaranteeing military cooperation between the two countries,” the newspaper said.

During his visit, the CDS is scheduled to call on Army General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the National People’s Army, and engage in extensive discussions with senior officials of the Ministry of National Defense (MoND) of Algeria.

“Discussions will focus on enhancing military cooperation, with an emphasis on finding strategic interests, capacity building, training, technology exchange and ‘Make In India’ initiatives,” the statement said.

A key highlight of the visit will be the Military Parade and Ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of Algeria’s glorious revolution of November 1, 1954, where Gen Chauhan has been invited as the guest of honour, it added.

Furthering India’s commitment to military training and education, the CDS will visit the High Military Academy in Algeria, the main institution known for training Algeria’s military leadership, where he will speak to senior officers.

“This visit is expected to enhance the defense relationship between India and Algeria, and promote mutual trust and understanding. The visit follows the recently concluded visit of the President of India to Algeria, in early October 2024,” the Ministry said. .

The President of India is also the Supreme Commander of the Army.