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India’s defence exports touched a record Rs 38,424 crore in 2025–26, rising 62.66 per cent from the previous fiscal and 56-fold from 2013–14, underscoring the rapid expansion of the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing base.
The private sector, including start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), now accounts for 45.16 per cent of India’s defence exports, reflecting its growing role in the sector.
The figures were highlighted at a FICCI session in New Delhi on Tuesday, “Catalysing Bharat’s Prowess in Defence Manufacturing & Exports: Make in India–Make for the World.” The session brought together officials from the Ministry of Defence, armed forces, Defence Attachés and representatives of the Indian defence industry to explore ways to expand India’s footprint in the global defence market.
Vivek Virmani, Deputy Director General, Department of Defence Production, said India had developed capabilities across land, naval and air platforms and was emerging as an increasingly competitive defence manufacturing nation.
He urged Defence Attachés to help build stronger links between India and their respective countries. These, he said, could facilitate exchanges between armed forces, defence ministries and industry, while opening opportunities for joint innovation, co-development, co-production and technology partnerships.
Ashish Kansal, Co-Chair of the FICCI Defence and Homeland Security Committee and CEO of SMPP Ltd, attributed the transformation to the government’s sustained focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
He pointed to policies promoting indigenous design and development, positive indigenisation lists, domestic procurement, defence corridors and innovation programmes, along with greater participation by private industry.
More than 100 Indian companies are now exporting defence equipment to over 85 countries, Kansal said, adding that defence exports had grown 20-fold over the past decade.
The rapid expansion of drones and unmanned systems was also a prominent topic at the session.
Bodhisattwa Sangapriya, Co-Chair of the FICCI Drones Committee and Founder and CEO of IG Defence, said India was emerging as a trusted and cost-effective defence manufacturing hub. He said drones were increasingly at the centre of modern military operations.
He pointed to emerging concepts such as manned-unmanned teaming, autonomous remotely piloted aircraft systems, multi-mission drone swarms and space-enabled warfare. These technologies, he said, could fundamentally alter operational concepts and war-gaming.
“The rise of drones in modern-day conflict is not merely the rise of a machine or a tool. It is actually the democratisation of air power,” Sangapriya said.
Leading Indian defence and aerospace companies, including Jindal Strategic Ventures, Zen Technologies, SMPP, Munitions India, MKU, L&T, Indrajaal Drone Defence India, IG Defence, Hughes Precision Manufacturing, HHV Advanced Technologies, HFCL and Evigway Technologies, showcased their products and technologies.
The session was attended by around 40 Defence Attachés and representatives of more than 25 friendly foreign countries, along with 16 Indian Defence Attachés serving abroad.
The discussions focused on expanding India’s role in global defence supply chains and creating more opportunities for co-design, co-development, co-production and technology partnerships.
The growing export numbers, expanding private-sector participation and increasing international engagement point to a shift in India’s defence industry from import dependence towards becoming a global supplier of military equipment and technology.
Team BharatShakti
