Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 10 addressed participants of the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. He highlighted the changing nature of modern warfare and the need to strengthen India's domestic defence capabilities while maintaining cooperation with international partners.
Singh said India was closely monitoring developments in its neighbourhood and beyond, along with their strategic implications. He noted that the established global order was changing rapidly and that the shape of the emerging international order remained uncertain.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Rajnath Singh addressed participants of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur on October 10.
He emphasised defence self-reliance, technological innovation and international cooperation.
He highlighted the strategic importance of emerging military technologies.
Seven foreign countries are participating alongside the Indian Air Force, with 32 observer nations.
The exercise is scheduled to conclude on October 12, 2026.
The Defence Minister said the Indian Armed Forces were undergoing a fundamental transformation in their structure, equipment and strategic approach. He emphasised that the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat did not mean isolating India from the world. Instead, it involved building domestic capabilities to design, develop, manufacture, maintain and upgrade critical defence technologies.
Singh also highlighted the growing importance of drones, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and long-range precision weapons in modern military operations. He stressed that indigenous capabilities must be developed alongside meaningful cooperation with trusted international partners.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being hosted by the Indian Air Force from September 26 to October 12. The multinational exercise brings together air forces from seven foreign countries: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. It also includes 32 observer nations.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The exercise provides a platform for air forces to exchange operational experience, strengthen coordination and improve interoperability. Singh's remarks also underline India's stated priority of developing domestic defence technologies while maintaining international partnerships.
The exercise provides participating forces with opportunities for joint training, operational knowledge-sharing and improved interoperability. The participation of indigenous platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, highlights India's domestic aerospace development capabilities.
