India Transforms from Arms Importer to Global Defence Exporter
In a historic shift, India has transitioned from being one of the world's top defence importers to a rising defence exporter, with record-breaking growth in indigenous arms production and global exports. Once heavily dependent on foreign nations for military supplies, India now exports to over 85 countries, including major defence deals for missiles, aircraft, and naval systems.
The country's defence exports have surged dramatically over the last decade—from just ₹2,059 crore in 2014 to a staggering ₹21,083 crore in 2023–24, marking a nearly tenfold increase. Defence manufacturing has also risen sharply, with domestic production reaching over ₹1.2 lakh crore annually.
Key Figures Highlighting India's Defence Rise:
- ₹21,083 Cr defence exports in 2023–24 (up from ₹1,941 Cr in 2014–15)
- ₹1.27 lakh Cr in defence production in 2023–24
- Over 2,000 Indian companies now involved in defence manufacturing
- 50,000 new jobs created in the sector
- 900 BrahMos missiles to be exported to countries including the Philippines
- 300 Indigenous Defence Equipment items now banned from import
India is rapidly expanding its indigenous capabilities, including fighter jets, submarines, anti-drone systems, tanks, and radar systems. Key defence PSUs such as HAL, BEL, DRDO, and Bharat Dynamics Ltd have played a vital role in this growth. The country’s flagship BrahMos missile system, developed in collaboration with Russia, has now become one of India’s most prominent export items.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has credited the transformation to the government’s ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision and policy reforms such as:
- Simplified licensing
- Technology transfer encouragement
- Private sector participation
- Indigenous procurement lists banning imports of over 500 items
India’s leap in defence exports has not only boosted its economy but also strengthened its geopolitical influence in South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
From being the world’s largest arms importer in 2014, India’s position has drastically improved, now aiming to become one of the top 10 defence exporters globally by 2030.
