India unveils 10-year ‘RAKSHA’ roadmap to expand global defence & security ties

India looks to expand strategic defence ties under new ‘RAKSHA’ frameworkDefence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday released the ‘RAKSHA’ document on defence diplomacy, outlining India's strategic roadmap and vision for expanding global defence partnerships over the next 10 years.The document, unveiled at a special event in New Delhi, lays out a framework aimed at aligning India's national security objectives with proactive international cooperation, according to the ministry of defence.The strategic blueprint focuses on deepening bilateral and multilateral security ties, building capacity with friendly countries, promoting indigenous defence exports and strengthening maritime security.Four key pillars of India's defence diplomacy roadmapThe ‘RAKSHA’ framework is built around four key pillars:Strategic partnerships: Deepening bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.Capacity building: Expanding joint military exercises, training programmes and the sharing of best practices with friendly nations.Indigenous exports: Promoting Make-in-India defence platforms to position India as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub.Maritime security: Strengthening India's role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.The ministry of defence said the document provides a “clear, actionable vision” for the next decade as defence diplomacy remains a core pillar of India's foreign policy.The framework is aimed at ensuring India remains an anchor of peace, stability and a rules-based order in an evolving global landscape.Senior officials attend release eventChief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and secretary (defence production) Sanjeev Kumar were among the senior officials present at the event.Secretary (east) in the ministry of external affairs Rudrendra Tandon, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar also attended.The document was officially released during an event at Kartavya Bhawan.The directorate of public relations, ministry of defence, said in a post on X that the framework sets a 10-year roadmap to strengthen global security partnerships.“Aligning national security with proactive international cooperation, this comprehensive framework aims to position India as a key defence manufacturing hub and an anchor of regional stability,” it added.The document also seeks to strengthen India's role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region, with defence diplomacy described as a core pillar of the country's foreign policy.Rajnath Singh calls for stronger India-Belgium cooperationThe release came a day after India and Belgium held extensive discussions aimed at expanding bilateral defence and industrial cooperation.Singh hosted Belgian defence and trade minister Theo Francken in New Delhi on Wednesday, with multiple memorandums of understanding and contracts signed under defence industrial cooperation.“Had a very productive meeting with the Defence and Trade Minister of Belgium, Mr @FranckenTheo, in New Delhi today. We reviewed the entire spectrum of Defence relations and Defence Industrial Cooperation between India and Belgium. Multiple MoUs and contracts under the Defence Industrial Cooperation were also signed, towards leveraging Belgian technology together with Indian skill and scale,” Singh said.On Thursday, Singh called for greater cooperation between the two countries during the India-Belgium Ministers' Meeting in the national capital.“The world is witnessing a time of great geopolitical and economic turmoil. Most of it is not our doing, but we have to handle the challenges. In such situations, meeting a friend and partner like you provides a useful opportunity to exchange views and perspectives,” he said.Singh said the recently held India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue had provided a framework for taking the bilateral partnership forward, including in defence and security.