Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Rajnath Singh Calls for Defence Self-Reliance and Global Cooperation
India hosted an air exercise called Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur.
Air forces from seven countries took part, while 32 other countries sent observers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India should build its own defence technology and equipment.
He also said India should work with trusted countries instead of trying to do everything alone.
Countries could work together on research, manufacturing, repairs and training.
At the exercise, air forces practised working together and shared what they know.
Singh said modern warfare now involves areas such as space, cyber systems, drones and artificial intelligence.
He asked India’s Air Force to use what it learned to improve its future work.
Tarang Shakti brought together air forces from seven countries and observers from 32 nations at Jodhpur Air Force Station.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s defence self-reliance should go hand in hand with cooperation among trusted partners.
He identified research, co-development, co-production, maintenance, training and innovation as potential areas for international cooperation.
The exercise provided opportunities for joint mission planning, operational knowledge-sharing and improved interoperability.
Singh urged the Indian Air Force to apply lessons from the exercise to its training, tactics, technology, doctrine and future capabilities.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force hosted the exercise; air forces from seven countries and observers from 32 nations attended. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed participants.
- What
- The second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti.
- When
- September 26 to October 12; the article identifies the exercise as Tarang Shakti-2026.
- Where
- Jodhpur Air Force Station, India.
- Why
- To build professional understanding and operational cooperation, share knowledge and improve interoperability among participating air forces.
- Exercise
- Second edition of Tarang Shakti; the inaugural edition was held in 2024.
- Dates
- September 26 to October 12; identified in one article as Tarang Shakti-2026.
- Host and location
- Indian Air Force; Jodhpur Air Force Station.
- Participating countries
- Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
- Observers
- 32 observer nations.
- Potential cooperation
- Rajnath Singh cited research, co-development, co-production, maintenance, training and innovation.
- Indigenous systems mentioned
- Tejas, Dhruv, Rudra, Prachand, the Light Utility Helicopter, Akash, AESA radars and the AMCA programme.
