Govt unveils strategic blueprint on defence diplomacy

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released ‘Raksha’ document on defence diplomacy in New Delhi on September 3. 

Highlights of Raksha document:

• This comprehensive framework outlines India’s strategic roadmap and vision for global defence partnerships over the next 10 years.

• The document marks a shift in India’s strategic engagement, aligning national security objectives with proactive global cooperation, fostering long-term stability and mutual growth. 

Key pillars highlighted in the document include:

i) Strategic Partnerships: Deepening bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.

ii) Capacity Building: Enhancing joint military exercises, training programmes, and sharing best practices with friendly nations.

iii) Indigenous Exports: Promoting ‘Make in India’ defence platforms to establish the nation as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub.

iv) Maritime security: Strengthening India’s role as a net security provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

• As defence diplomacy is a core pillar of India’s foreign policy, this document provides a clear, actionable vision for the next decade, ensuring that India remains an anchor of peace, stability, and rule-based order in an evolving global landscape.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)