Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh released the RAKSHA defence diplomacy framework document in New Delhi on 3 September 2026. The document sets out a 10-year roadmap for India’s defence partnerships, security cooperation, and defence manufacturing outreach.
RAKSHA Framework
RAKSHA is a defence diplomacy framework prepared by the Ministry of Defence. It links India’s national security objectives with cooperation in bilateral and multilateral defence relations.
The framework covers a 10-year period and includes four pillars. These pillars are Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports, and Maritime Security.
Strategic and Capacity-Building Pillars
The Strategic Partnerships pillar covers deeper bilateral and multilateral security cooperation with friendly countries. The Capacity Building pillar includes joint military exercises, training programmes, and exchange of best practices.
Joint exercises are a standard feature of military diplomacy between armed forces of different countries. Training exchanges and professional military education are also used in defence cooperation agreements.
Indigenous Exports and Maritime Security
The Indigenous Exports pillar promotes Make-in-India defence platforms in overseas markets. Defence exports include weapons systems, platforms, spares, and related services produced by domestic manufacturers.
The Maritime Security pillar refers to India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Ocean Region includes sea lanes, island states, and coastal areas that are important for trade and naval movement.
India has used the terms Net Security Provider and First Responder in maritime policy documents and naval cooperation frameworks. These terms are associated with disaster response, anti-piracy cooperation, and maritime domain awareness.
Important Facts for Exams
- Rajnath Singh serves as India’s Defence Minister and holds the constitutional office of Raksha Mantri.
- The Ministry of Defence is the central ministry responsible for the Indian Armed Forces and defence policy.
- Make-in-India is a Government of India initiative launched in 2014 to promote domestic manufacturing.
- The Indian Ocean Region is a major strategic theatre for shipping routes, naval deployments, and maritime security cooperation.
Launch Event Details
The launch event in New Delhi included Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Rudrendra Tandon. The presence of senior civil and military officials is common in major defence policy launches.
