IAF to host second edition of multinational exercise Tarang Shakti 26

Prelims may ask: "Which multinational air exercise is hosted by IAF?" or "What is Tarang Shakti?" Mains could demand: "Analyze India's defence diplomacy through multilateral military exercises and their strategic significance in regional stability." Focus on India's evolving role in Indo-Pacific security architecture.

UPSC probes India's military interoperability with allied nations and whether such exercises strengthen collective security or create regional tensions. The question of which nations participate and any geopolitical messaging (especially regarding China-Pakistan dynamics) remains critical. Observer nations vs. active participants distinction matters for understanding India's strategic positioning.

Tarang Shakti reflects India's shift toward proactive defence diplomacy and coalition-building in the Indo-Pacific region. These exercises strengthen operational readiness while signaling India's commitment to rules-based international order and maritime security cooperation.

• Tarang Shakti is India's multinational air exercise (second edition in 2026) • Such exercises build interoperability with partner air forces and strengthen strategic partnerships • India uses defence exercises for soft power and regional influence projection