India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore (approximately USD 2.76 billion) in the financial year 2024-25, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This achievement reflects a 12.04% increase from the previous fiscal year, reinforcing India’s position in the global arms export market. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced this development on Tuesday, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defence production capabilities.
Record-Breaking Growth in Defence Exports
The defence exports in 2024-25 saw a notable increase of Rs 2,539 crore compared to the Rs 21,083 crore recorded in 2023-24. This substantial growth underscores the country’s strategic push to become a global leader in the defence sector. Defence Minister Singh hailed the achievement and congratulated all stakeholders involved in making this a reality.
“India’s defence exports have reached a historic high, with a remarkable 12.04% growth over the previous year. This is a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency and global recognition in defence manufacturing,” Singh stated on social media platform X.
India’s Ambitious Defence Export Targets
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the milestone, calling it a “proud moment” in India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence industry. Underlining the government’s long-term vision, Singh highlighted that India is on track to meet the ambitious target of Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Private Sector and DPSUs’ Role in Export Surge
A major contributor to the surge in exports has been the collaboration between the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). According to the Ministry of Defence, the private sector contributed Rs 15,233 crore, while DPSUs accounted for Rs 8,389 crore in defence exports for 2024-25. This reflects a sharp 42.85% increase in DPSU exports compared to Rs 5,874 crore in the previous fiscal year.
The rise in DPSU exports demonstrates India’s increasing acceptance in the global market and highlights the ability of its defence industry to integrate into the global supply chain. The ministry emphasized that India has transitioned from being an import-dependent nation to one focused on indigenous production.
Expanding Global Footprint
In a major boost to international defence trade, India exported a diverse range of military equipment, including ammunition, arms, sub-systems, and components, to nearly 80 countries in 2024-25. The Department of Defence Production has played a key role in streamlining the export authorization process, issuing 1,762 export authorizations in 2024-25 compared to 1,507 in the previous year.
The total number of exporters in the sector has also grown by 17.4% during this period, reflecting the expanding footprint of India’s defence industry in the global market. With these advancements, India continues to move towards its goal of becoming a dominant player in global defence manufacturing.
