Mission of the Swiss Defence Attaché Office
The Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Switzerland in Delhi is accredited to India, as well as to Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. He serves under the overall responsibility of the Swiss Ambassador and takes care of bilateral security policy, military and defence relations. In particular, he represents Switzerland’s interests in his states of accreditation in the security policy, military and defence sector.
This requires the Defence Attaché Office in Delhi to:
(1) Enhance the establishment and maintenance of a crisis-resistant network with the respective authorities, defence related institutions and the Defence Attaché Communities. This network is the basis for all his other activities and depends on a direct access to the Ministry of Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force. This direct access in turn is vital for bilateral relations as well as to ensure effective crisis management and early warning capabilities.
(2) Continuously manage the relationship between the states of accreditation (India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and Switzerland in the security-policy, military and defence sector. In order to cope with modern risks and threats Switzerland depends - like other states - on the cooperation with foreign partners. The continuity of the contacts and relationships built on mutual trust play a decisive role in the management of conflicts, crises and disasters.
(3) Contribute specialized information and support to facilitate security and military cooperation, focusing on the experience by the states of accreditation on defence reforms, doctrine, standardization and other cooperation relevant processes.
(4) Facilitate direct engagements with security, military and defence contacts at senior levels to advocate Swiss interest abroad and promote exchange of experiences in security and defense matters
(5) The Swiss Defence Attaché integrates defence expertise into embassy functions, advising the Head of Mission on security policy, military affairs, defence matters and contributing to the comprehensive risk analysis of the Embassy.
