New Delhi: With a view to boosting defence exports and defence cooperation with more countries, the Narendra Modi government has plans to appoint at least 10 new Defence Attachés (DAs) while identifying such countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing a conference of all Indian DAs said that a large country like India cannot restrict its defence cooperation to a few countries.

“The Defence Minister announced creation of 10 new Defence Wings so that 10 more Defence Attachés (DAs) could be appointed. He said this will further strengthen India’s defence diplomacy, a statement from the ministry said.

The Government has introduced a new scheme to promote defence exports through DAs to their respective countries. Under this scheme, funds have been allocated for export promotion to 34 countries.

In an effort to increase exports, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have also opened offices for their liaison officers in different countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar and Oman.

Speaking of the upcoming defence expo that has attracted foreign manufacturers to come to India as part of Make in India, he said, “there is a lot of scope for DAs to work and attract FDI.”

He also appreciated the efforts made by the DAs for increasing the participation of the various defence official delegations and industry in the DefExpo 2020 being held in Lucknow from February 5-9, which will be the largest ever biennial event.