MoD boosts defence diplomacy push with ₹400 crore fund, plans 90 defence wings globally by 2030
The Ministry of Defence plans to establish 85 to 90 defence wings globally by the end of 2030, up from the current 54, with 10 more approved in 2024. The defence diplomacy fund for FY 2025-26 is ₹400 crore, an increase from ₹300 crore in FY25. The fund, launched in FY 21-22 with ₹110 crore, supports gifts and gratis to friendly countries, and the government has set a defence export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2030.
Why it matters: This expansion of defence wings and the increased defence diplomacy fund reflect India's strategic push to enhance defence exports and counterbalance Chinese influence, aligning with the theme of defence cooperation and export promotion.