India has achieved a noteworthy reduction in its dependency on foreign defence imports, decreasing from 11% in 2011 to an anticipated 4% by 2025. This significant development underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, primarily driven by initiatives like “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Since the fiscal year 2014–15, the country’s domestic defence production has witnessed a remarkable growth of 174%, culminating in a record ₹1.27 lakh crore (approximately $16 billion) in FY 2023–24. During this same period, the Ministry of Defence has entered into 193 contracts valued at over ₹2.09 lakh crore, with a striking 92% of these contracts awarded to Indian firms.
The transformation of India’s defence export landscape has been equally impressive. Over the last decade, defence exports have surged by a remarkable 30 times, reaching ₹21,083 crore in 2023–24. Indian defence products are now being sold to more than 100 countries, indicating a significant global trust in the quality and reliability of indigenous military systems.
Key factors contributing to this transformation include the introduction of the SRIJAN portal, designed to promote industry participation by identifying opportunities for import replacements, and the Positive Indigenisation Lists, which now encompass over 14,000 items designated for domestic manufacture.
Looking forward, the government’s ambitious plans aim to elevate defence production to ₹3 lakh crore and exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Analysts suggest that India is on track to establish itself not only as a self-reliant defence power but also as a formidable player in the global defence export arena.
With robust policy reforms, enhanced engagement from the private sector, and the establishment of dedicated defence corridors, India is poised to enter a new era characterized by strategic autonomy, technological advancement, and strengthened military-industrial capabilities.
