India unveils decade-long defence diplomacy strategy to boost global ties

India has outlined a comprehensive 10-year blueprint for defence diplomacy designed to reinforce its strategic partnerships and global influence. The framework, known as RAKSHA, charts a coordinated approach to leveraging military and defence relationships as instruments of statecraft.

The strategic document integrates defence diplomacy with India's wider foreign policy objectives, economic interests and national security concerns. Officials indicate the blueprint addresses evolving regional security dynamics and India's role as a significant power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the framework, India plans to deepen defence cooperation with key strategic partners through enhanced military-to-military engagements, joint exercises, technology sharing and institutional partnerships. The approach reflects New Delhi's recognition that defence ties serve as critical pillars supporting diplomatic and economic relationships.

The initiative signals India's intention to move beyond traditional bilateral defence arrangements toward a more integrated strategy encompassing multiple stakeholders and regional mechanisms. Officials suggest the blueprint will guide defence ministry planning and resource allocation over the coming decade, ensuring coherence between security spending and broader national objectives.

Analysts view the announcement as reflective of India's growing strategic assertiveness and efforts to shape regional security architecture amid global power shifts and transnational security challenges.