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Monograph 02 · Defence Diplomacy

The ‘RAKSHA’ Defence Diplomacy Framework: Strategic Partnerships, Joint Exercises & Export Statecraft

Defence Observer Strategic Research Centre · 15 Oct 2026 · 18 min read

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh holding bilateral defence talks at the 11th ADMM-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR

Key facts

Exports FY 2025–26
₹38,424 crore to 80+ countries
Summit
11th ADMM-Plus, Vientiane
Milestone
India–Australia air-to-air refuelling arrangement
Desk
Defence Diplomacy
Published
15 Oct 2026
Reading time
18 min

Abstract

In September 2026 the Raksha Mantri released the ‘RAKSHA’ defence diplomacy document, naming strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous defence exports and maritime security as the pillars for the coming decade. This paper examines how bilateral agreements, joint exercises, the defence attaché network and export cooperation reinforce strategic autonomy and regional stability.

Four pillars of the RAKSHA framework

  • Strategic partnerships: 2+2 dialogues, logistics exchange, co-development and technology sharing across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, West Asia, Russia, the Americas and the Global South.
  • Capacity building and training: professional military education at NDC, DSSC and the academies; mobile training teams, hydrographic assistance and maintenance support.
  • Indigenous exports as statecraft: platforms, radars, artillery, patrol vessels and missiles as instruments of long-term partnership.
  • Maritime security and HADR: India as first responder in the Indian Ocean Region through anti-piracy patrols, disaster relief, search and rescue, and maritime domain awareness.

Exercises and attaché diplomacy

Bilateral and multilateral exercises across land, sea and air build operational familiarity and doctrinal dialogue, while an expanded network of Indian defence attachés provides channels for crisis communication.

What the record shows

21 Nov 2024PIB release 2075545 (opens in a new tab)

Official record: At the 11th ADMM-Plus in Vientiane the Raksha Mantri held talks with his South Korean, Australian and New Zealand counterparts on shipbuilding co-development, refuelling reciprocity and freedom of navigation.

Defence Observer synthesis: India's diplomacy is turning into operational force multiplication, linking Indian shipyard capacity with regional procurement and building logistics reciprocity without alliances.

21 Nov 2024PIB release 2075524 (opens in a new tab)

Official record: The Raksha Mantri met the US Secretary of Defense at the same meeting to review the India–US defence industrial cooperation roadmap.

Defence Observer synthesis: Supply-security and liaison arrangements improve interoperability in anti-submarine warfare, high-altitude ISR and maritime logistics without a formal alliance.

16 Nov 2024PIB release 2073843 (opens in a new tab)

Official record: India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation in Tokyo to co-develop UNICORN integrated masts for Indian Navy ships.

Defence Observer synthesis: Co-development with a technology partner lowers radar signature and improves survivability of surface combatants while building domestic production with BEL.

Assessment

  • India's defence diplomacy has moved from ceremonial visits to operational cooperation.
  • Export growth is used as a diplomatic instrument as well as an industrial one.
  • Logistics and information-sharing arrangements (LEMOA, MLSA, ACSA) extend reach without formal alliances.

Sources & citation

Cite this paper

Defence Observer Strategic Research Centre (2026). The ‘RAKSHA’ Defence Diplomacy Framework: Strategic Partnerships, Joint Exercises & Export Statecraft. Defence Observer, PRGI Reg. No. DLBIL/26/A7836.