India’s defence exports have witnessed a remarkable 34-fold increase over the past 11 years, rising from Rs 686 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024–25, according to data released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Significantly, the private sector accounted for the lion’s share of these exports, contributing Rs 15,233 crore in 2024–25, compared to Rs 8,389 crore by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
While the private sector’s role continues to expand, DPSU exports have also shown steady growth, registering a 42.85% increase over the same period. Meanwhile, the number of export authorisations has grown by 16.92%, and the number of registered defence exporters has risen by 17.4%.
“India now exports defence equipment to around 80 countries and is targeting Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, reinforcing its global footprint in defence manufacturing,” the Defence Ministry stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
India’s #DefenceExports surged from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, a 34-fold increase. In 2024-25, private sector exports were Rs15,233 crore, and DPSUs Rs 8,389 crore, with DPSU exports growing 42.85%. Export authorisations rose by 16.92%, and exporters… pic.twitter.com/yDVYAwajxG
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 13, 2025
In a separate post, the ministry highlighted the rising defence budget, which has nearly tripled from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26. It underscored India’s growing reputation as a reliable global defence exporter, contributing to both national security and economic growth.
The MoD attributed this export surge to strategic policy reforms, increased private sector participation, and a strong focus on innovation and indigenous manufacturing, aligning with the government’s vision of self-reliance in defence.
The defence budget increased from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26. Strategic reforms, private sector participation, and innovation have boosted indigenous manufacturing, making India a self-reliant, globally trusted defence exporter while… pic.twitter.com/g8L56K3eNU
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 13, 2025
These developments come against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor. Although a ceasefire understanding has since been reached, the episode underscored the relevance of indigenous defence capabilities.
State-run Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) highlighted its contribution to recent operations, stating in a post on X that its Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System proved to be a game-changer for India’s air defence. The laser-based anti-drone system, manufactured by BEL, successfully neutralised several low-RCS (Radar Cross Section) drones deployed by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
The Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System manufactured by BEL has proved to be a game-changer for India's Air Defence. The laser-based anti drone system destroyed several low RCS drones of Pakistan during Op Sindoor. #AtmanirbharBharat@DefenceMinIndia @DefProdnIndia pic.twitter.com/ayvmMPixwy
— Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (@BEL_CorpCom) May 13, 2025
At the Adampur Air Force Station today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The world’s best defence technologies have reached our armed forces over the past decade.” Addressing military personnel, he praised the performance of indigenous defence systems, asserting that “Made in India” equipment proved effective in both desert and mountainous warfare scenarios.
“In 21st-century warfare, the time has come for Made-in-India defence systems,” the Prime Minister declared during his national address on Operation Sindoor on May 12. He added, “A decade ago, India was one of the biggest defence importers. Today, it is among the top 25 defence exporters globally.”
His remarks triggered a rally in defence stocks, particularly among companies involved in Indigenous advanced systems. Shares of DPSUs such as Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), and private sector ammunition giant Solar Industries were up around four per cent.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s views, Air Marshal A.N. Bharti, Director General of Operations, Indian Air Force, said during a recent press briefing that India’s ability to counter Pakistani offensives using indigenous air defence systems reflects a decade of sustained investment and policy support.
“This capability is the result of consistent government backing—both in terms of budget and policy—for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and weapons systems,” he said.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
