India’s Defence Exports Reach Historic High of Rs 23,622
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s defense exports have surged to a record high of โน23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion) for the financial year 2024-25. This marks a significant increase of โน2,539 crore, or 12.04%, compared to the previous fiscal year. The growth in defense exports is part of India’s broader initiative for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, known as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ The Ministry of Defence has set ambitious targets, aiming for โน50,000 crore in exports by 2029, as the country strengthens its global defense manufacturing presence.
Record Growth in Defense Exports
India’s defense exports have seen remarkable growth, reaching โน23,622 crore in the last financial year. This figure represents a staggering 34-fold increase from โน686 crore in FY 2013-14. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted that the increase in exports is indicative of the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities. The MoD’s recent statement on social media emphasized that India now exports to around 80 countries, showcasing its expanding global footprint in defense manufacturing.
The performance of Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) has also improved significantly, with a 42.85% increase in exports for FY 2024-25. This growth reflects the international acceptance of Indian defense products and the sector’s ability to integrate into global supply chains. The private sector has also made substantial contributions, with exports amounting to โน15,233 crore, while DPSUs generated โน8,389 crore in exports during the same period.
Operational Success and Strategic Impact
The recent success of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has underscored the effectiveness of India’s domestically produced weapon systems. This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack and highlighted India’s military capabilities. The MoD’s focus on self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing has led to the successful delivery of a wide range of military equipment, including ammunition, weaponry, and various systems and components.
The ongoing tensions with Pakistan have further emphasized the importance of India’s defense exports. As the country continues to enhance its military capabilities, the focus on domestic production is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring national security and strategic autonomy.
Policy Changes Supporting Defense Manufacturing
The Indian government has implemented several policy changes aimed at strengthening the defense sector. These changes include streamlining industrial licensing processes, deregulating components from licensing requirements, and extending license validity periods. The MoD has also simplified the Standard Operating Procedure for export authorization, which has led to an increase in the number of export authorizations issued. In FY 2024-25, the MoD issued 1,762 export authorizations, up from 1,507 in the previous year, marking a 16.92% increase.
Additionally, the number of defense exporters has grown by 17.4% during this period, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem. These policy initiatives are designed to enhance India’s export capabilities and support the country’s ambition to become a global leader in defense manufacturing.
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