Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released ‘RAKSHA’, India’s first consolidated public framework for defence diplomacy. It provides a 10-year roadmap to strengthen India’s global military partnerships and contribute to a stable, rules-based international security order.
The framework links India’s national security objectives with proactive international cooperation and focuses on building long-term strategic relationships, defence capabilities and India’s position in the global security environment.
Four Key Pillars of RAKSHA
| Pillar | Focus |
| Strategic Partnerships | Deepen bilateral and multilateral security cooperation |
| Capacity Building | Joint military exercises, training, institutional exchanges and sharing of best practices |
| Indigenous Defence Exports | Promote Make in India defence platforms and establish India as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub |
| Maritime Security | Strengthen India as a “Net Security Provider and First Responder” in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) |
Defence Exports and Capacity Building
India’s defence diplomacy is increasingly supported by its growing defence-export capability:
- DPSU defence exports increased by 151% year-on-year.
- Private-sector defence exports grew by 14%.
- India now exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries.
- India has set a target of ₹50,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2029.
The capacity-building pillar includes military training, exchanges, institutional cooperation and assistance to partner countries, with particular importance given to nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Focus on Indian Ocean Region
The maritime-security component builds on the Indian Navy’s sustained presence across the IOR through:
- Mission-based deployments
- Anti-piracy operations
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions
Through these efforts, India aims to strengthen its role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean.
Overall, RAKSHA provides an actionable framework for using defence diplomacy as a core instrument of foreign policy, while expanding partnerships, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and supporting regional peace and stability.