India's defence exports surge by 1,100% over the past decade, says Finance Minister Sitharaman.

India Emerges as Global Defence Powerhouse under PM Modi’s Visionary Leadership: Defence Exports Jump Over 1,100% in a Decade

Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undergone a sweeping transformation in its defence sector, emerging as a formidable force on the global military and strategic stage. With a strong push towards self-reliance, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing through flagship initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the nation has redefined its defence capabilities and export potential.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a recent address, highlighted the scale of this transformation, announcing that India’s defence exports have skyrocketed by more than 1,100% in the past decade. From ₹1,941 crore in 2014, defence exports soared to an impressive ₹23,662 crore by 2024. This meteoric rise reflects India’s growing reputation as a reliable and responsible defence supplier, with Indian-made military equipment now reaching over 100 countries worldwide.

A Strategic Leap Towards Self-Reliance

This remarkable growth is not an isolated achievement but part of a broader and deliberate strategic vision. The government's commitment to fostering indigenous defence production has significantly reduced dependence on foreign defence imports while boosting domestic innovation and industrial capabilities.

In the Union Budget for FY 2025-26, a landmark 75% of the capital procurement budget has been earmarked exclusively for domestic sources. This allocation underlines the government’s intent to empower local defence manufacturers, including both public and private sector firms, and to develop a resilient defence ecosystem rooted in Indian soil.

Adding to this momentum, over 5,000 new items have been included in the defence indigenisation list as part of the Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) drive. These efforts have catalysed the development of advanced indigenous technologies and platforms, enhancing operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

Exponential Growth in Defence Production

India’s overall defence manufacturing has expanded significantly over the past decade. What once stood at approximately ₹43,000 crore has now reached an unprecedented ₹1.46 lakh crore, signaling a robust and thriving defence production sector. The private sector alone has contributed over ₹32,000 crore, showcasing its growing role in the national defence architecture.

The success of this transformation is exemplified in operations such as Operation Sindoor, where the efficacy and reliability of Indian-made defence systems were proven in active combat scenarios. The operation underscored India’s readiness to deploy indigenous technology to defend its sovereignty and neutralize hostile threats.

Advancing Strategic Diplomacy and National Security

Beyond production and exports, India’s proactive and agile defence diplomacy has also earned global recognition. FM Sitharaman outlined several key foreign policy and national security achievements, underscoring India’s capability to act swiftly in the face of crises.

A notable example is Operation Sindoor, in which precision missile strikes on terrorist camps resulted in the elimination of over 100 militants. The mission reaffirmed India’s resolve to combat terrorism decisively using homegrown defence assets.

India’s global leadership was also evident in humanitarian operations. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India executed large-scale evacuations, safely rescuing more than 22,500 Indian citizens stranded in the war zone. Similarly, during the Sudan crisis, Indian forces ensured the evacuation of around 3,000 nationals, once again proving the government’s commitment to the safety of its diaspora.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, India stood tall as a humanitarian superpower by supplying over 30 crore vaccine doses to more than 100 countries under the Vaccine Maitri initiative. This generous outreach not only saved lives but also deepened India’s strategic partnerships and global goodwill.

India’s Rising Role in Global Security Architecture

The combination of technological advancement, policy reforms, and strategic foresight has firmly placed India among the world's leading defence producers and exporters. Today, India is no longer seen merely as an arms importer, but as a net defence exporter, trusted for quality, reliability, and commitment to global peace.

This defence renaissance reflects the larger vision of ‘New India’—a nation that is economically vibrant, technologically advanced, and militarily self-reliant. As India continues to forge strategic partnerships and strengthen its role in regional and global security frameworks, its defence sector will remain at the heart of its emergence as a global power.

With such strides in defence manufacturing, diplomacy, and humanitarian outreach, India is poised not just to protect its own borders but also to contribute meaningfully to international peace and stability.