It gives a clear plan for how India will work with other countries in areas like military training, defence production, defence exports, technology, and security.

Why in News?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released RAKSHA in New Delhi on 3 September 2026.

RAKSHA is a 10-year plan for India’s defence relations with other countries.

It aims to connect defence work with foreign policy, economic needs, and national security.

1. Strategic Partnerships

RAKSHA focuses on building strong and long-term defence relations with other countries.

India wants to go beyond only military visits and exercises.

The focus will be on areas where both countries have common interests.

2. Military Cooperation

India will increase military cooperation with other countries through:

  • Joint training
  • Military exercises
  • Military education
  • Sharing of experience
  • Cooperation between military institutions

This will help the armed forces work better together.

3. Defence Industry Cooperation

RAKSHA will encourage countries to work together in defence production.

This includes:

  • Making defence equipment together
  • Developing new defence products together
  • Sharing technology
  • Working together on defence supply chains

This will support Atmanirbhar Bharat and help India make more defence equipment in the country.

Watch: RAKSHA: India's 10- Year Plan for Defence Diplomacy

4. Defence Exports

India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26.

RAKSHA aims to use defence exports to build better relations with other countries.

India can export products such as:

  • Missiles
  • Ammunition
  • Artillery systems
  • Patrol ships
  • Radars
  • Electronic equipment

5. Maritime Security

India wants to play a bigger role in security in the Indo-Pacific region.

India will work with other countries on:

  • Naval exercises
  • Sharing information about activities at sea
  • Training
  • Help during disasters
  • Maritime security

6. Capacity Building

India will provide more training and support to the armed forces of partner countries.

This will help India build strong and long-term relations with these countries.

7. Defence diplomacy as Foreign Policy

RAKSHA connects defence work with foreign policy, economic needs and national security.

This means defence cooperation will not be limited to military activities.

It will also help India build better relations with other countries.

8. Humanitarian assistance & Disaster response

India’s armed forces help neighbouring countries during natural disasters and emergencies.

This helps India build an image of a reliable and trusted country.

9. Global Defence Partnership

RAKSHA covers India’s defence relations in different regions, such as:

  • Indo-Pacific
  • Europe
  • West Asia
  • Africa

India will focus on areas where India and other countries have common interests.

10. Promotion of Indian Defence Industries

Defence relations can help Indian defence companies sell their products in other countries.

Government support can help build trust in Indian defence products and create new markets for Indian companies.

Recent Example

India has increased defence cooperation with Indonesia. The cooperation includes BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missiles.

Importance for India

RAKSHA can help India:

  • Build stronger defence relations
  • Increase defence exports
  • Support defence manufacturing in India
  • Improve technology sharing
  • Strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific
  • Support Atmanirbhar Bharat

Challenges

India will have to maintain its independent decision-making while working with different countries.

It will also need to carefully manage:

  • Technology sharing
  • Defence exports
  • Long-term defence relations
  • Competition from other countries

Conclusion

RAKSHA is a 10-year plan for India’s defence relations. It aims to build stronger relations with other countries, increase defence exports, and support defence production in India.

It can also help India play a bigger role in regional and global security.