Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, October 10, said the established global order was rapidly disappearing while the shape of a new international order remained uncertain. Addressing the second edition of the Indian Air Force’s multinational exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Singh highlighted the changing geopolitical environment and the growing complexity of modern warfare. He said India was closely monitoring developments in its neighbourhood and beyond, along with their broader strategic implications, as countries navigate an increasingly unpredictable security landscape.

Singh pointed out that modern warfare was no longer restricted to traditional battlefields on land, at sea and in the air. Space, cyberspace, electronic warfare and the information domain have become increasingly important, while drones, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and long-range precision weapons are changing military operations. He noted that technological advances have increased the speed and complexity of combat, requiring armed forces to improve their ability to gather information, make decisions and respond quickly. These changes, he said, demand continuous preparedness and adaptation to emerging security challenges.

The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He said India had recognised the risks of depending heavily on foreign suppliers for essential weapons and technologies, particularly during prolonged conflicts or international disruptions. The government’s focus, he explained, was on developing domestic capabilities to design, manufacture, maintain and upgrade critical defence equipment. Singh added that self-reliance did not mean isolation from other countries but building stronger domestic capabilities while maintaining cooperation with trusted international partners.

Also Read: Rajasthan Hosts Tarang Shakti 2026 As IAF Trains Alongside Air Forces From Around World

Highlighting the Indian Air Force’s development, Singh referred to the country’s progress in aircraft, precision weapons, radar systems, air defence and aerospace technologies. He cited indigenous programmes such as the Tejas fighter aircraft, the Dhruv and Prachand helicopter platforms, the Akash air defence system and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. He said India’s ambitions extended beyond manufacturing equipment to developing advanced technologies, including aero-engines, and contributing to international defence supply chains. Research partnerships, joint development and technology cooperation would remain important to strengthening the country’s capabilities.

Tarang Shakti 2026, conducted from September 26 to October 12, brought together the Indian Air Force and participating foreign air forces for joint training, operational learning and the exchange of expertise. Countries taking part included Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while other nations participated as observers. Singh said the value of multinational exercises extended beyond the aircraft and sorties involved, helping participating forces improve coordination, understand different operational approaches and build professional relationships. He congratulated the Indian Air Force and participating contingents, adding that the lessons learnt during the exercise should inform future training, technology development and defence cooperation in support of peace and security.

Also Read: India, France, US and Russia Jets Fly in Single Formation at Tarang Shakti