Defence Attache

Source-This post on Defence Attache has been created based on the article ” India posts defence attaches to several new nations for 1st time” published in “The Times of India” on 12 April 2024.

Why in the news?

India has started to post military and defence attachés to several new countries. This is being done to expand strategic ties with key regions across the globe.

About Defence Attache

Description-A Defence Attache is a member of the armed forces who serves in an embassy as a representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad.

Representation-A Defence Attaché (DA) can represent all branches of the military, but in bigger countries, they may represent an individual service branch, such as an air force or naval attaché.

Duties-
A) They have to protect, develop, and promote the defence interests of their country in the nation they are assigned,

B)They have to protect, develop, and promote the defence interests of their country in bilateral military and defence relations as well.

C) They may be deployed to work on specific issues, like migration.

D)  They may serve as part of a military mission with organisations such as NATO, the EU, or the UN.

Designation-They usually operate as the head of the mission or a military adviser.

Diplomatic immunity-The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, gives immunity to individuals based on their position in a diplomatic mission. Article 7 of the convention defines the legal status of the Defense Attaché.

What is Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961?

Objective– To ensure that diplomats can conduct their duties without threat of influence by the host government.

Provisions–

A) It outlines the rules of diplomatic relations to facilitate friendly relations between States and to enable States to develop economic, cultural and scientific relations.

B) It provides the legal basis for diplomatic immunity.

Read more–India’s Defense Manufacturing Sector

UPSC Syllabus-International Relations.