India's defence exports soar to record INR 23,622 crore in FY25, marking 34-fold growth since 2013-14

India's defence exports have reached an unprecedented high of INR 23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion) in the financial year 2024-25, reflecting a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of self-reliance under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

This achievement signifies a 12.04% increase over the previous fiscal year's exports of INR 21,083 crore, and an astounding 34-fold surge compared to the INR 686 crore recorded in 2013-14. The exponential growth underscores India's expanding capabilities and prominence in the global defence manufacturing sector.

The surge in exports is attributed to the collaborative efforts of over 100 companies, including major public sector undertakings like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), alongside private sector players such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Advanced Systems, and Bharat Forge.

India's defence export portfolio encompasses a diverse range of products, including missile systems like BrahMos and Akash, artillery guns such as the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), radars, electronic warfare systems, and various platforms like the Dornier-228 aircraft.

The United States has emerged as the largest importer of Indian defence equipment, followed by Armenia and France. India's strategic partnerships and defence agreements have facilitated exports to over 85 countries, enhancing its global footprint in the defence sector.

The government's emphasis on indigenization and self-reliance has been instrumental in this growth. Initiatives like the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 aim to achieve a turnover of INR 1.75 lakh crore ($25 billion) in defence manufacturing by 2025, including exports of ₹35,000 crore ($5 billion).

Furthermore, the introduction of the 'Positive Indigenisation List' has restricted imports of certain defence items, thus encouraging domestic production and boosting exports.

States like Uttar Pradesh are playing a pivotal role in bolstering defence manufacturing. The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, with nodes in Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot, aims to attract investments worth INR 50,000 crore and generate employment for one lakh individuals. The recent inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow underscores the state's commitment to becoming a defence manufacturing hub.

India's remarkable growth in defence exports reflects its transition from a major importer to an emerging exporter of defence equipment. With continued policy support, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships, India is poised further to enhance its position in the global defence market.