India’s “Make in India” initiative is gaining global recognition, underscoring its growing prowess in defense exports. The progress can be seen as India now sells domestically manufactured arms to various countries, resulting in a significant surge in the nation’s defense exports. In the past decade, India’s defense export figures have skyrocketed by over 30 times. More than 90 countries worldwide are procuring defense products made in India. The ongoing conflicts, such as the Russo-Ukrainian war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, have prompted nations to bolster their arsenals, leading to this substantial growth in defense exports. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this impressive upward trend.
Expanding Defense Exports to Over 90 Countries
Currently, India exports military hardware to over 90 countries. The government is promoting an easier licensing system and approvals, while eliminating hesitations to supply lethal weapons. The United States has emerged as the largest destination for defense exports, and the Indian government is also focusing on supplying defense goods to African and other nations through easier credit options and diplomatic initiatives.
Remarkable 78% Surge in the First Quarter
According to data from the Ministry of Defense, there was an astounding 78% surge in exports during the first quarter of FY 2024-2025. During the period of April to June, defense exports rose from INR 3,885 crores the previous year to INR 6,915 crores. This upward trajectory was already evident, as the previous fiscal year, 2023-2024, recorded a remarkable INR 21,083 crores (approximately USD 2.63 billion) in defense exports, which is a 32.5% rise from INR 15,920 crores in the earlier fiscal year.
Aspiring for a Target in the Coming Years
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government set an ambitious export target of INR 35,000 crores (USD 5 billion) for the aerospace and defense goods and services sector in 2020, aiming to reach a turnover of INR 1.75 lakh crores (USD 25 billion) in defense manufacturing by 2025.
What Products Are Exported from India?
A pertinent question arises: what exactly is India exporting? The Ministry of Defense does not specify the details of exports to particular countries. However, according to various sources from government, industry, and diplomatic circles, India’s defense export portfolio is extensive. The exports from both public and private sector companies encompass items such as:
- Ammunition
- Small arms, including sniper rifles and specialized sight systems
- Ballistic vests and helmets
- Electronic equipment
- Armored vehicles
- Lightweight torpedoes
- Simulators
- Drones
- Fast attack vessels
The United States: The Largest Buyer
Myanmar has traditionally been a significant destination for Indian defense exports, especially in the realm of fuses and ammunition. In recent years, countries like Israel and Armenia have become important buyers as well. India has signed some substantial standalone deals, including the BrahMos contract with the Philippines and contracts for artillery and air defense systems with Armenia. Notably, the United States is the largest importer of Indian defense goods, accounting for approximately 50% of India’s total defense exports.
