Defence Attachés to undergo language proficiency evaluation
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.
Defence Attachés stationed at Indian embassies and High Commissions overseas will now be obliged to acquire proficiency in the local language and undergo routine assessments of their language abilities, as the Ministry of Defence seeks to refine their role and emphasize defence exports and military diplomacy. According to a senior Ministry of Defence official, Defence Attachés (DAs) will be evaluated on their language skills and additional factors before their appointment and after finishing their assignments.
"Language proficiency and other parameters will be assessed for DAs before they start their job and following their return," the official explained. This measure follows India's broadening defence diplomatic presence and a renewed emphasis on utilizing military missions abroad to promote defence cooperation, exports, and locally made defence products.
Defence exports have surged dramatically, rising from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, marking a more than 5,500% increase in a decade. India now exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries, with the number of exporters growing to 145 firms. The Government has set a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
The Ministry has also expanded India's defense representation abroad, increasing the number of defense wings in missions from around 50 to over 70, and currently having more than 120 Defence Attachés from over 70 countries posted in India. The Government has recently authorized numerous new Defence Attaché slots for the Army, Navy, and Air Force across crucial regions.
These fresh deployments include first-time postings in several African nations, as well as strategically important locations in Asia and Europe, such as the Philippines and Armenia. The expansion aims to strengthen military partnerships and address a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The Defense Attaché system is a well-established tool for military diplomacy, enabling countries to foster institutional relationships, facilitate defense cooperation, and support strategic goals.
In March, Rashtriya Raksha University hosted the Defense Attaché Roundtable 2026, gathering Defense Attachés, policymakers, academics, and industry representatives to discuss defense trade, co-development, and emerging technologies.
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