Raksha Mantri Highlights Self-Reliance and International Cooperation at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
Syllabus: India's defence policy, indigenous defence production and international military cooperation
The news
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The multinational air exercise, held from 26 September to 12 October 2026, saw participation of air forces from seven friendly foreign countries and 32 observer nations. He emphasized the need for self‑reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence, technological innovation and international partnerships. The Minister highlighted emerging domains such as space, cyber and information, and cited indigenous programmes like Tejas, AMCA, Akash and advanced UAVs as proof of India's growing aerospace capability.
Background in one line: India adopts Atmanirbhar defence policy → IAF hosts Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 with 7 FFCs → Raksha Mantri stresses self‑reliance, tech innovation and global cooperation → Emphasis on emerging warfare domains and indigenous platforms
Static syllabus linkage
- Article 48 of the Constitution – promotion of scientific temper and self‑reliance
- Defence Production Policy (2020) – indigenous manufacturing and co‑production
- Ministry of Defence (MoD) – role in strategic partnerships and joint exercises
- National Security Strategy – focus on multi‑domain operations
Why it matters for UPSC
The statement underscores India's shift towards indigenous defence capability while maintaining strategic ties, a key theme in UPSC questions on security and foreign policy. Understanding the balance between self‑reliance and international cooperation is essential for both prelims and mains.
Prelims facts
- Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 was the second edition, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
- Seven friendly foreign countries participated: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA.
- 32 observer nations were present at the exercise.
- Key indigenous programmes mentioned: Tejas, AMCA, Akash, Dhruv, Rudra, Prachand, LUH.
Analysis
The exercise demonstrates India's growing diplomatic outreach through defence engagement, enhancing interoperability with major air forces.
Emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat reflects policy continuity from the 2020 Defence Production Policy, aiming to reduce import dependence and develop a robust domestic supply chain.
Highlighting emerging domains signals the need for capability development in space, cyber and electronic warfare, areas where India still lags behind major powers.
Future challenges include scaling up indigenous engine technology, ensuring quality standards, and balancing strategic autonomy with technology transfer from partner nations.
Possible Mains question
Discuss the importance of self‑reliance in India's defence sector in the context of emerging multi‑domain warfare and international military cooperation.
15 marks · 250 words · GS2
Model approach
- Directive: Define self‑reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence.
- Introduction: Briefly outline India's defence posture and recent policy shifts.
- Body point 1: Indigenous programmes and their impact on capability (Tejas, AMCA, Akash, UAVs).
- Body point 2: Role of international exercises like Tarang Shakti in enhancing interoperability and technology access.
- Body point 3: Emerging domains – space, cyber, information – and the need for indigenous R&D.
- Body point 4: Challenges – funding, engine development, quality control, and strategic dependencies.
For SSC, Banking & State PSC
- SSC: Know the meaning of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence context.
- Banking: Familiarity with major defence programmes (Tejas, AMCA) for general awareness.
- State PSC: List of friendly foreign countries participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026.
Written with AI assistance from the source report and checked against it. Always verify facts with the original source .