India’s steady transition from one of the world’s largest arms importers to an emerging defence exporter marks a significant structural shift in its strategic and economic trajectory. For decades, India’s defence preparedness depended heavily on foreign suppliers, creating vulnerabilities in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Today, however, the rapid rise in defence exports, coupled with expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, signals a new phase in India’s global engagement ~ one that blends strategic autonomy with economic ambition.

The latest data underscores the scale of this transformation. India’s defence exports reached an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, registering a remarkable year-on-year growth of over 60 per cent. This is not merely a statistical milestone; it reflects a deeper institutional and industrial evolution. Over the past five years, defence exports have nearly tripled, demonstrating sustained momentum rather than a one-off surge. The fact that Indian defence products are now reaching more than 80 countries indicates growing global confidence in their quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

A particularly notable aspect of this growth is the balanced contribution from both public and private sectors. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for slightly more than half of total exports, with a dramatic 151 per cent increase in their export performance. At the same time, the private sector contributed nearly 45 per cent, maintaining steady growth and demonstrating its increasing integration into global supply chains. This synergy between state-led and private enterprise is crucial, as it ensures both scale and innovation within the defence ecosystem. The diversification of exported products further strengthens India’s position.

The country is no longer limited to exporting low-value components; it is increasingly supplying complete systems and advanced platforms. The export of systems such as the BrahMos missile, the HAL Tejas fighter aircraft, the Akash air defence system, and the Pinaka rocket system illustrates India’s growing technological sophistication. The interest shown by countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America suggests that Indian defence products are becoming viable alternatives to traditional suppliers. This........

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