India’s Defence Attache to Indonesia on Operation Sindoor

India’s Defence Attache to Indonesia on Operation Sindoor 

Why in News India’s Defence Attache to Indonesia on Operation Sindoor ? 

Recently, India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, stated during a Jakarta seminar that the IAF lost aircraft in Operation Sindoor due to political constraints. The Indian Embassy clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented.

Details of the Seminar and India’s Defence Attache’s Statement 

• Seminar:

• • • The event took place on June 10, 2025, at the Indonesian Air Force University in Jakarta.
    • The seminar focused on “Analysis of the Pakistan-India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies.”
    • It aimed to examine tactical approaches, military-civilian dynamics, and air power considerations in South Asia. 

• Remarks:

• • Captain Kumar emphasized that India’s Defence Forces operate under civilian political command, contrasting this with other nations in the region.
  • He noted that emphasis was on strategic control and non-escalation, not military dominance.
  • He acknowledged that India lost some fighter jets during the first day of Operation Sindoor (May 7), but clarified the losses were limited.
  • He explained the losses occurred because Indian political leadership had restricted the IAF from targeting Pakistani military bases or air-defence systems during initial strikes. 
  • Following the early losses, Captain Kumar said the armed forces changed tactics to focus on Suppress and Destroy missions (SEAD/DEAD).
  • He noted they then launched missile strikes—such as BrahMos and surface-to-air mission tools—against Pakistani military installations from May 8–10, establishing air superiority.

What Is a Defence Attache?

• Introduction:

• • • A Defence Attache is a commissioned officer from the army, navy, or air force assigned to a diplomatic mission.
    • They represent their country’s defence interests abroad at an embassy or diplomatic mission.
    • They hold special diplomatic status and immunity.
    • They also foster and promote bilateral defence ties, military collaboration, and strategic alignment.
    • They relay insights on security and defence trends to their home government.
    • They must hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Army) or equivalent and above, reflecting significant service experience.
    • Their presence enables India to respond quickly to regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and peacekeeping roles.

• Origin:

• • The role originated in Europe during the 17th century and became formalized in the 19th century.
  • The Vienna Convention has treated Defence Attaches as protected diplomatic officials since its adoption in 1961.
  • Over time, the role has evolved into a cornerstone of defence diplomacy.

Key Responsibilities and Functions of a Defence Attache 

• Surveillance: The DA observes military exercises, equipment displays, and strategic policy changes in the host country. They gather intelligence on force composition, modernization plans, and readiness levels. They monitor naval deployments, aerial exercises, and defense budget announcements.

• Intelligence Sharing: The DA shares collected military information with home intelligence and defense agencies. They contribute to shared threat assessments and joint intelligence reports. They coordinate with local military and defense officials for data exchange.

• Military Liaison: The DA organizes and facilitates bilateral military meetings and visits. They manage defense attaché exchanges and high-level officer visits. They coordinate with local defense ministries on joint exercises. They oversee training programs involving both countries.

• Representative Roles: The DA attends state and military functions as a country representative. They join military parades, commemorations, and embassy receptions. They wear decorations such as embassy aiguillettes on formal uniforms. They host defense delegation visits and cultural exchanges.

• Emergency Response: The DA acts swiftly if a military-related crisis arises. They coordinate with host-nation responders during evacuations or accidents. They share threat alerts with home-country crisis centers. They facilitate communication in case of regional conflict outbreaks.

India’s Defence Attache Network Worldwide

• In April 2024, India announced 16 new DA postings spanning three services to expand its military diplomacy reach.
  • This initiative added defence attachment facilities in key regions like Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
  • The network now spans over 50 defence wings abroad, many hosted within Indian embassies.
• India began deploying Defence Attaches to African countries like Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti for the first time.
• India also expanded its diplomatic presence by sending Defence Attaches to Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines.
• India has optimized its DA network by shifting personnel from Moscow and London to emerging strategic hubs.
• Before 2024, India had roughly 50 defence wings abroad, complementing its military influence across continents.
• Following recent expansions, the network now connects with over 118 countries through military cooperation agreements.
• India currently hosts over 120 foreign defence attaches from more than 70 countries, showing reciprocal respect for its expanding military role.

Strategic Importance of Defence Attaches for India’s National Security

• Intelligence Gathering: Defence Attachés monitor regional military developments in real time on behalf of Indian defence and intelligence agencies. During rising tensions, such as those along the India‑China border, they report troop mobilisations and exercises. Their detection supports decision-making at top levels during crises like the 2020 Galwan standoff.

• Technology Sharing: DAs play a critical role in shaping military agreements and defence export deals. For example, India’s BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines in 2022 was facilitated by the Philippine DA office. Armenia’s acquisition of Pinaka rocket systems followed directly from DA engagement in 2022.

• Enabling Joint Training: Defence Attachés coordinate major military exercises and training missions abroad. For instance, in 2019, handlers from DAs helped set up the India-hosted AFINDEX-19 joint drill with 17 African nations. They facilitate defence-to-defence relationships for India’s involvement in exercises like MILAN, Malabar, and Milan.

• Supporting Maritime Security: Naval Attachés based in maritime chokepoints like Djibouti support anti-piracy missions and humanitarian responses. In 2009, Indian naval ships under DA guidance aided Seychelles in preventing piracy. These operations align with India’s SAGAR and Indo-Pacific strategies.