India has significantly reduced its reliance on foreign defence imports, bringing down its import dependency from 11% in 2011 to just 4% in 2025, according to a recent ANI report. This dramatic shift is being hailed as a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance, driven by flagship government programs such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Since the fiscal year 2014–15, India’s domestic defence production has grown by an impressive 174%, reaching a historic high of ₹1.27 lakh crore ($16 billion) in FY 2023–24. In the same period, the Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth over ₹2.09 lakh crore, with 92% of these deals going to Indian companies.
India’s defence export profile has also transformed remarkably. From negligible figures a decade ago, exports soared 30 times over to ₹21,083 crore in 2023–24. Indian defence products are now being exported to over 100 countries, demonstrating growing global trust in the quality and reliability of indigenous systems.
Crucial enablers of this transformation include the launch of the SRIJAN portal, which fosters industry participation by listing import-replacement opportunities, and the Positive Indigenisation Lists, which now feature over 14,000 items earmarked for domestic production.
Looking ahead, the government aims to scale defence production to ₹3 lakh crore and exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Experts believe India is on course to become not only a self-reliant defence power but also a globally competitive defence exporter.
With robust policy reforms, increased private sector participation, and the emergence of defence corridors, India is entering a new era of strategic autonomy, technological innovation, and military-industrial strength.
