GS 2 · Strategic autonomy and major powers
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Seven foreign air forces are slated to participate in the upcoming Tarang Shakti-26 air exercise hosted in Jodhpur, underscoring a significant expansion in India's defence diplomacy. Traditionally, the Indian Air Force conducted operational engagements primarily through bilateral formats. The transition toward large-scale multilateral exercises reflects a deliberate strategic shift to foster deeper operational synergy, enhance coalition readiness, and showcase indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities to international partners.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR MAINS
The explicit demand requires an examination of the strategic and operational dimensions of India hosting large-scale multilateral defence exercises. The implicit demand expects a nuanced critique of how such exercises balance defence diplomacy, indigenous military marketing, and interoperability objectives while preserving India's foundational commitment to strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
Study angle, not an exam prediction · GS 2 / International relations
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