- Rashtriya Raksha University convenes 24 nations to reimagine global defence collaboration
- ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ takes centre stage in tech, exports, and co-development dialogue
- From HAL Tejas to BrahMos, India showcases battle-proven capabilities
- Export surge from ₹1,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore signals strategic shift
- Focus on startups, innovation ecosystems, and training partnerships for a multipolar world
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 17
In a decisive push to reshape global defence partnerships, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) inaugurated a landmark two-day Global Defence Attachés Roundtable on March 16, 2026, positioning India as a collaborative force in the evolving international security architecture.
Centred on the theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the Global Defence Tech Landscape: Accelerating Innovation, Exports, and Joint Technology Partnerships,” the conclave brought together diplomats and defence representatives from 24 countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The high-level dialogue concludes on March 17.
Strategic Vision from New Delhi
In a special message, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined India’s global intent: “India’s pursuit of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ is not merely a domestic milestone but a global commitment to reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective security solutions. By fostering indigenous innovation through platforms like this Roundtable, we are inviting our international partners to move beyond the traditional buyer-seller dynamic. Our goal is to build a collaborative ecosystem of co-development and co-production that empowers developing nations and ensures a secure, multipolar world. India stands ready to share its technological advancements to promote collective peace and sovereignty.”
RRU as a Global Bridge
Welcoming delegates, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor of RRU, underlined the institution’s role in shaping actionable partnerships:
He highlighted that the university acts as a bridge between the world of ideas and implementation, adding that the gathering reflects a “remarkable geography of partnership” aimed at shaping a stable and prosperous future through dialogue among democratic nations.
from importer to exporter: India’s defence leap
Delivering the keynote, Dr. (Smt) Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist and Director General at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), spotlighted India’s transformation:
She underscored that India has evolved from one of the world’s largest importers of defence equipment into a reliable developer and exporter, offering a wide spectrum of battle-proven systems including the HAL Tejas, BrahMos, and Akash missile system.
Export Momentum & Startup Power
Yash Vardhan Patel, Advisor at the Ministry of Defence, mapped India’s export trajectory:
He revealed that defence exports have surged from approximately ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to an anticipated ₹30,000 crore in 2024–25, with a target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
He further highlighted the success of the iDEX initiative, which is empowering nearly 20,000 startups to develop next-generation technologies such as quantum sensors and drones.
Global Voices, Shared Ambitions
The conclave featured prominent international Guests of Honour, including:
- H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes (Timor-Leste)
- H.E. Mr. M. Riaz Hamidullah (Bangladesh)
- H.E. Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj (Guyana)
- H.E. Mr. Mustapha Jawara (The Gambia)
Their collective message reinforced growing global confidence in India’s defence ecosystem.
H.E. Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj noted Guyana’s intent to expand cooperation in defence technology and hardware through existing lines of credit with the Indian government.
H.E. Mr. Mustapha Jawara identified RRU as a vital partner for professional training in internal security and cyber defence for personnel from The Gambia.
Beyond dialogue: Action & exposure
The Roundtable goes beyond deliberations, featuring focused sessions on policy reforms, public-private collaboration, and streamlined acquisition processes. Delegates are also engaging with India’s innovation ecosystem through a Defence Expo and guided visits to RRU laboratories, offering firsthand exposure to indigenous technologies.
A new security grammar
The conclave underscores RRU’s expanding role as a catalyst for global security cooperation. By integrating academia, industry, and diplomacy, India is not just exporting defence systems—but exporting trust, capability, and a shared vision for a stable, multipolar world.
