Rajnath Singh praises ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise for boosting global defence ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the multinational exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ as a significant effort to enhance cooperation, coordination, and trust among partner nations on Thursday. Speaking at the Distinguished Visitors’ Day event, Singh emphasised that the exercise reflects India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties and fostering a spirit of collective security.

Singh said, “Through Tarang Shakti, India has not only solidified its defence relationships with partner countries but also demonstrated that we stand together in times of need. This exercise showcases our belief in mutual coexistence and cooperation.”

He noted the valuable learning that occurs when soldiers from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together in such complex and large-scale exercises. “Different work cultures, air combat experiences, and war-fighting principles contribute to a rich exchange of knowledge and skills,” he added.

The Defence Minister highlighted the transformation of the Indian Air Force since independence, from having just six squadrons and limited equipment to now possessing some of the world’s most advanced aircraft and next-generation equipment. “Today, the Indian Air Force is equipped with the best and modern aircraft, showcasing our progress and capability,” he said.

Singh also pointed to recent advancements in India’s defence sector, including the collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines. He stressed that India has evolved from being solely an importer of arms to becoming a significant exporter, with defence equipment now reaching around 90 countries. “Our domestic defence sector has made considerable strides in indigenisation, including in the manufacturing of Light Combat Aircraft, sensors, radars, and electronic warfare systems,” Singh noted.

The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior military leaders from allied nations. Highlights included displays by the Agniveer Vayu Women Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT), as well as demonstrations by the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, Sarang, and SKAT teams.

The event also featured participation from 68 industry players showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies. With contributions from seven participating nations and twenty-one observer countries, the second phase of the exercise, IDAX-24, underscored the importance of international collaboration, dialogue, and expertise exchange, further enhancing India’s position in the global defence and aerospace sectors.