India, Algeria Agree To Expand Defence Cooperation

India and Algeria have agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation during the inaugural Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi on May 5.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in areas including military training, joint exercises, medical cooperation and defence industries. Both sides also agreed to expand defence engagement activities between the two countries.

The Joint Commission meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad and Kaid Nour Eddine.

During the meeting, India and Algeria signed the Rules of Procedure for overseeing the implementation of bilateral defence cooperation. Officials said the framework will guide future Joint Commission meetings and help streamline defence collaboration.

The Indian delegation included officers from the three armed services, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Department of Defence Production, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Armed Forces Medical Services and the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to officials, defence ties between India and Algeria have gained momentum since the signing of a Defence Memorandum of Understanding in 2024. The relationship has since seen several high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in strategic sectors.

Ahead of the meeting, Maj Gen Kaid Nour Eddine paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The Algerian delegation is also scheduled to interact with Indian defence industry representatives during the visit.

Officials described the visit as a significant step toward deepening strategic and defence ties between the two nations.