Marking a significant milestone in its journey toward self-reliance in defence, India has now emerged as a global exporter of military equipment, supplying to as many as 90 countries. This announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth during an event at Radha Govind University in Ramgarh, held to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. In his address, Seth emphasized India’s dramatic transformation from being a major arms importer to becoming a fast-growing defence exporter on the world stage.
Seth highlighted that India, which once heavily depended on other nations for its military needs, now stands among countries that supply sophisticated defence products globally. He underlined the Indian Navy’s achievement of 75% self-reliance as a symbol of the broader advancements made in indigenous manufacturing across India’s defence sector.
Over the past decade, India’s defence exports have experienced an extraordinary rise. In the financial year 2024–25, exports touched a record ₹23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion), reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year and a staggering 34-fold jump since 2013–14. This growth is largely credited to a combination of sweeping policy reforms, active private sector participation, and technological innovation driven by the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
India’s export portfolio now features a wide range of high-tech military systems, including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), surveillance radars, electronic warfare platforms, and the Dornier-228 aircraft. Countries like the United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as significant importers of these Indian-made defence products.
Minister Seth attributed the rapid growth of defence exports to the strategic vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reforms such as simplified export approvals, increased representation at international defence exhibitions, and strong support for the domestic private defence industry have collectively boosted India’s global market presence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently expressed confidence that India’s defence exports could reach ₹50,000 crore by 2030, a goal that seems increasingly attainable given the current momentum.
India’s defence footprint now stretches across several continents. Its exports range from basic protective gear like ballistic helmets and body armour to advanced weaponry and surveillance systems. Countries such as Australia, Vietnam, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, and the United States are among those using Indian defence equipment. A landmark moment came in 2022, when India secured a $375 million BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines, signaling its firm entry into the elite group of missile-exporting nations.
India’s expanding defence exports not only reflect its growing technological and manufacturing strength but also position it as a trusted and capable partner in the global security arena.
