Rajnath Singh Highlights India's Growing Defence Strength at Exercise 'Tarang Shakti'

Speaking at the Distinguished Visitors’ Day event in Jodhpur, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that the exercise strengthens India’s defence ties with participating countries and reassures them of mutual support in times of need.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the Multinational Exercise 'Tarang Shakti' as a key initiative for enhancing cooperation, coordination, and trust among partner nations. Speaking at the Distinguished Visitors’ Day event in Jodhpur, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that the exercise strengthens India’s defence ties with participating countries and reassures them of mutual support in times of need.

The Raksha Mantri reiterated India's commitment to mutual coexistence and cooperation, noting that such complex and large-scale exercises enable soldiers from different nations to learn from each other’s diverse work cultures, air combat experiences, and war-fighting principles.

He celebrated the achievements of the Indian Air Force, highlighting its evolution from having just six squadrons at independence to becoming a modern force equipped with advanced aircraft and next-generation technology. Shri Rajnath Singh also noted the Indian Air Force's transformation from an importer to an exporter of arms and equipment, citing the recent collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines as an example of India's growing self-reliance.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event, alongside senior military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Chief of Naval Staff Adm Dinesh K Tripathi.

The event featured demonstrations by the Agniveer Vayu Women Air Warrior Drill Team, and performances by the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, Sarang, and SKAT teams. Later, Raksha Mantri inaugurated the International Defence and Aerospace Expo (IDAX-24), showcasing India’s commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. IDAX-24 attracted enthusiastic participation from startups, MSMEs, and major aerospace industries, with 68 industry players presenting cutting-edge technologies. The event, which saw participation from seven nations and twenty-one observer countries, underscored the importance of international collaboration in enhancing India’s global standing in defence and aerospace.