India is strategically positioning itself to transition from being one of the largest arms importers in the world to a credible global exporter of advanced weapon systems. This shift follows a significant military engagement with Pakistan in May, which ended with over 70 casualties, marking it as the deadliest military clash since the 1999 Kargil War. The four-day confrontation involved the deployment of drones, artillery, and long-range missiles along the Line of Control, offering India a live demonstration of its military capabilities.
Among the notable homegrown systems used during this conflict were the indigenous “Invisible Shield” missile defense network and the AI-powered Akashteer vehicle-mounted system, which effectively intercepted multiple volleys of drones and missiles. Furthermore, India showcased its BrahMos cruise missiles, highlighting one of its premier weapon systems and drawing international attention.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the operations as indicative of a “new vision of warfare,” emphasizing the roles of technology, self-reliance, and operational readiness. Military officials have described the conflict as providing “golden insights” for refining system performance under combat conditions, enabling immediate feedback for improvements in military production.
The successful use of BrahMos has reportedly sparked renewed interest from 14 to 15 nations, following its prior success with the Philippines. Analysts suggest that the recent conflict served as a “market demonstrator,” affirming that India’s defense systems are effective and ready for global markets.
India’s defense exports surged to $2.8 billion in the fiscal year 2024–25, a staggering 34-fold increase over the past decade, while domestic production nearly doubled in five years to reach $18 billion. Currently, India supplies defense equipment to over 100 countries, with significant buyers including the United States, France, and Armenia.
Despite this flourishing export landscape, New Delhi continues to navigate complex international partnerships. It has been deepening technological collaborations with the US, France, and Israel, while maintaining its long-standing defense relationship with Russia. The challenge is heightened by China’s growing influence as Pakistan’s primary defense ally, underscoring the need for enhanced indigenous innovation.
Key initiatives, like the “Sudarshan Chakra” missile shield, which aims to rival Israel’s Iron Dome, alongside advancements in indigenous fighter jet engines and hypersonic missiles, are integral to achieving long-term defense autonomy. India’s drone sector is projected to approach $11 billion by 2030, although 39% of critical small drone components currently depend on imports from China.
India’s evolution from a heavy reliance on imported military platforms during the 1990s and early 2010s—to a more self-sufficient defense industry—is mapped through several phases. Initially, the country imported about 70% of its defense needs, with no exports to speak of. With initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign launched in 2014, India began licensing production of systems like the Su-30 and BrahMos, marking the beginning of its journey toward indigenous maturity.
The recent conflict has resulted in a unique opportunity for India to present itself as a competent arms supplier with battlefield credibility. This “market demonstrator effect” could provide significant long-term strategic and commercial advantages, potentially allowing India to emerge as a top-tier global exporter of defense systems by the mid-2030s while stabilizing its position in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
