With reference to India's defense exports, consider the following statements: 1. The Akash missile system was exported to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 2. India aims to reach an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. 3. India has already surpassed its Rs 50,000 crore export target. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

India sells Akash missile systems to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to diversify global suppliers

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains· 22 October 2026

Defense diplomacy and export diversification: a key GS2 angle on India's strategic autonomy.

Why in news

India reported selling its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to diversify global military suppliers away from Russia and China.

Background

India aims to reach Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029. The sale involves the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Facts for Prelims

S&TAkash: An indigenous surface-to-air missile system developed by India.
FactIndia's export target: Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
PlaceTajikistan and Turkmenistan: Recipients of the Akash missile system exports.

Prelims practice question

With reference to India's defense exports, consider the following statements:

The Akash missile system was exported to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
India aims to reach an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
India has already surpassed its Rs 50,000 crore export target.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (b) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note specifies Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as the recipients. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states this is a target to be reached by 2029.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how India's growing defense exports can serve as a tool for strategic autonomy and diversifying global supply chains in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Strategic diversification: Reducing global reliance on Russian and Chinese defense hardware.
Financing bottlenecks: Need for streamlined credit for private exporters and MSMEs by RBI and Exim Bank.
Geopolitical leverage: Strengthening bilateral ties with Central Asian nations through defense cooperation.

Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Defense Diplomacy · Export Diversification · MSME Empowerment · Supply Chain Resilience

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS3 · External sector, trade & FDI Also: GS3 · Defence technology

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