Introduction of the ‘RAKSHA’ Document on Defence Diplomacy

Last Updated: 05-09-2026. The Defence Minister has unveiled the ‘RAKSHA’ document, a 10-year policy framework that positions defence diplomacy as a cornerstone of India's foreign policy. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 2 and 3, as it reflects India's strategic shift towards proactive global engagement.

Key Facts About the RAKSHA Document

• The RAKSHA document is a 10-year policy framework.
• It codifies defence diplomacy as a central pillar of India's foreign policy.
• Focuses on transitioning India to a proactive global strategic role.
• Integrates objectives of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
• Key pillars include Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports, and Maritime Security.
• Aims to transform India from a net arms importer to an exporter of advanced strategic technologies.
• Aligns with India's Indo-Pacific vision and the SAGAR initiative.

India's Strategic Defence Diplomacy

The RAKSHA document signifies a macro-level shift in India's defence diplomacy, aligning with its economic and strategic goals. It aims to counterbalance regional hegemony in the Indo-Pacific and act as an economic force multiplier by promoting indigenous defence exports. India's defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, showcasing its growing influence.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: International Relations - India's foreign policy and defence diplomacy.
• GS Paper 3: Security - Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• Prelims: Potential questions on the key pillars of the RAKSHA document and India's defence export figures.
• Mains: Analytical themes on India's strategic autonomy and regional stability.
• Essay Paper: Topics on India's evolving defence strategy and global role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the RAKSHA document? It is a 10-year policy framework that makes defence diplomacy a central pillar of India’s foreign policy, focusing on partnerships, capacity building, defence exports, and maritime security.
• What are the major pillars of the RAKSHA framework? Its key pillars are Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports, and Maritime Security.
• How does RAKSHA promote India’s defence exports? It promotes Make in India defence platforms and uses defence diplomacy, including G2G engagements and defence attachés, to expand international markets.
• What is India’s role as a Net Security Provider in the IOR? India seeks to strengthen maritime security, protect SLOCs, ensure freedom of navigation, and respond to regional crises through HADR and other operations.
• Why is defence diplomacy important for India? It helps India build strategic partnerships, counter regional hegemony, expand defence exports, strengthen interoperability, and enhance diplomatic goodwill.