India’s defence sector has achieved record highs in both production and exports under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. According to official figures, domestic defence manufacturing has expanded at an unprecedented pace, boosting not just India’s military preparedness but also its standing in the global arms market.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed this as a “historic milestone” and credited the government’s policies for making India a net exporter of defence equipment in several categories.
📈 Defence Production Hits New Peak
In the financial year 2023–24, India’s defence production crossed the ₹1.1 lakh crore mark for the first time, marking a double-digit growth compared to the previous year. This growth has been attributed to:
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Policy reforms encouraging private sector participation
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Modernization of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
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Greater procurement of indigenously designed and developed weapons systems by the Indian armed forces
Defence manufacturing now spans from small arms and ammunition to sophisticated platforms like fighter jets, warships, and missile systems.
🌏 Defence Exports Surge Globally
Equally significant has been India’s performance in defence exports, which have surged more than 12 times over the past decade. In 2023–24, exports crossed ₹21,000 crore, with Indian-made systems and platforms being shipped to over 85 countries.
Major export items include:
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Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)
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Coastal surveillance systems
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Naval vessels
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Bulletproof jackets
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UAVs and drones
These exports not only showcase India’s growing technological capabilities but also contribute to strengthening strategic partnerships worldwide.
🛡️ Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
Launched in 2020, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in defence is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers and developing indigenous capabilities. Key initiatives under this vision include:
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Positive Indigenisation Lists — banning import of specific military items and encouraging domestic production
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Make in India in Defence — incentivizing private players to develop advanced technologies
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Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme — providing state-of-the-art testing facilities for indigenous products
The government’s push has led to the development of platforms like the LCA Tejas fighter jet, Arjun Mk-1A tank, and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, all of which have been inducted into the armed forces.
📊 Global Standing and Strategic Impact
India is now ranked among the top 25 defence exporters in the world, with several countries expressing interest in joint manufacturing and co-development projects.
Defence analysts believe that these achievements have:
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Enhanced India’s strategic autonomy
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Created jobs and boosted the economy
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Reduced the import bill for defence procurement
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Positioned India as a reliable supplier in the Indo-Pacific and beyond
💬 Government’s Vision Ahead
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s target to achieve ₹1.75 lakh crore in defence production and ₹35,000 crore in exports by 2025. He also emphasized the role of startups, MSMEs, and innovation hubs in driving the next phase of growth.
“Our goal is not just to meet domestic demand but to make India a global hub for defence manufacturing and exports,” he said.
🏁 Conclusion
The record-breaking performance of India’s defence sector under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative marks a significant leap towards self-reliance. With robust policy support, advanced R&D, and a growing global footprint, India is steadily transforming from one of the world’s largest arms importers to a competitive defence exporter.
As geopolitical tensions rise and defence needs evolve, these achievements signal a stronger, more confident India — capable of securing its borders while contributing to global security.
