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Defence attachés to face language tests before and after postings
Defence Attachés serving in Indian embassies and High Commissions will have to learn local languages and undergo proficiency evaluations before appointment and after completing their assignments, The Hindu reports, citing a senior…
The Story in Brief
Defence Attachés serving in Indian embassies and High Commissions will have to learn local languages and undergo proficiency evaluations before appointment and after completing their assignments, The Hindu reports, citing a senior Ministry of Defence official. The ministry is also reviewing their wider role, with greater emphasis on defence exports and military diplomacy.
India’s defence exports rose from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, with shipments reaching more than 80 countries through 145 companies. The government has set a Rs 50,000 crore export target for 2029. Defence wings abroad have increased from about 50 to more than 70, with new postings planned in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that language tests alone will transform military diplomacy would be overstated. Local knowledge can improve access and trust, but attachés also need commercial, strategic and technical skills to support exports. The opposite claim, that defence missions are merely ceremonial, is also too simple given the wider network and export push. The real test will be whether evaluations lead to stronger partnerships and help move exports towards Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
Source: thehindu.com
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