NEW DELHI: India’s defence exports have reached a record high of ₹23,622 crore (approx. $2.76 billion) in the financial year 2024-25, registering a 12.04% growth compared to the previous year’s ₹21,083 crore.
The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) played a crucial role in the surge, with their exports growing by 42.85% to reach ₹8,389 crore, a significant increase from ₹5,874 crore in FY 2023-24. Meanwhile, the private sector continued to dominate with ₹15,233 crore in exports, slightly up from ₹15,209 crore in the previous year.
India’s defence exports have surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the FY 2024-25. An impressive growth of Rs 2,539 crore or 12.04% has been registered in the just-concluded FY over the defence exports figures of FY 2023-24, which were Rs 21,083 crore.
I congratulate…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 1, 2025
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders, emphasizing that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward achieving the ambitious ₹50,000 crore defence export target by 2029.
Expanding Global Footprint
India’s defence exports now cater to around 80 countries, with a diverse range of products, including:
- Ammunition and arms
- Sub-systems and integrated systems
- Parts and components for major defence platforms
This marks a strategic shift from being an import-dependent military force to a global supplier of defence equipment. The rise in defence exports aligns with India’s broader ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision, strengthening the nation’s position in the global defence ecosystem.
Increase in Export Authorisations & Policy Reforms
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has streamlined the process of export authorization, leading to 1,762 approvals in FY 2024-25, up 16.92% from 1,507 in FY 2023-24. Simultaneously, the number of exporters increased by 17.4%, further bolstering India’s defence sector.
To support this growth, the Government has implemented multiple policy reforms, including:
- Simplification of industrial licensing procedures
- Removal of parts & components from the licensing regime
- Extension of validity for defence manufacturing licenses
Further simplification of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for export authorization
Marching Towards ₹50,000 Crore Target by 2029
With a robust policy framework, increased global acceptance of Indian defence products, and a steady rise in production capabilities, India is on track to achieve its ambitious ₹50,000 crore defence export target within the next five years.
As DPSUs expand their global outreach and the private sector continues to innovate, India is cementing its status as a major defence exporter while reducing dependency on imports and strengthening national security.
This milestone reflects not only economic success but also India’s strategic push to emerge as a key player in the global defence supply chain, making ‘Made in India’ a trusted brand in the international market.
