Overview
On 3 December 2026, Rajnath Singh launched ‘Raksha’. The document charts India’s vision for defence cooperation, maritime security and indigenous defence manufacturing up to 2036.
Key Developments
- Strengthening bilateral and multilateral defence ties through joint exercises, training and capacity‑building.
- Promoting Make‑in‑India defence exports to position India as a reliable global supplier.
- Emphasising maritime security by projecting India as a Net Security Provider and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) directed to cut import dependence and focus on indigenous platforms.
- Belgium’s assurance of no defence cooperation with Pakistan, reflecting India’s concern over technology transfer.
Important Facts
The framework identifies several pillars:
- Strategic Engagement: Align national security goals with proactive international cooperation.
- Indigenous Export Promotion: Leverage domestically developed platforms for global markets.
- Maritime Security: Strengthen India’s role as a stabilising force in the Indian Ocean.
- Capacity Building: Expand joint exercises, training programmes and technology sharing with friendly nations.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and the National Security Council Secretariat attended the launch.
Exam Relevance
Understanding defence diplomacy is essential for GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑3 (Economy) questions on security architecture and indigenous manufacturing. The emphasis on indigenous exports ties directly to India’s economic self‑reliance agenda. Maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region is a recurring theme in GS‑2 questions on India’s role as a net security provider.
Way Forward
To translate the roadmap into action, the government will need to:
- Operationalise joint exercises with partner nations and monitor outcomes.
- Accelerate R&D and production in defence PSUs to replace imports.
- Strengthen export promotion mechanisms under Make‑in‑India.
- Maintain diplomatic engagement to assure allies, such as Belgium, of India’s strategic concerns.
- Continue high‑level visits, e.g., the upcoming Sri Lanka trip (9‑10 September 2026), to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
Effective implementation will enhance India’s strategic autonomy, boost the defence industrial base and reinforce its role as a stabilising force in the Indo‑Pacific.