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.
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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.
