India’s Defence Exports Surge 62% to ₹384.24 Billion, Marking Strategic Shift from Importer to Global Supplier

According to the statement, India exported 236.22 billion rupees ($2.52 billion) worth of defence equipment from April 2024 to March 2025. It further noted that defence exports for the 2025–2026 fiscal year rose by 148.02 billion rupees. The sharp rise signals increasing global acceptance of Indian-made defence products and reflects the sector’s growing integration into international supply chains.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking on Thursday, highlighted the shift in India’s strategic position. “India, which once upon a time used to depend on other countries for weapons or was known for imports, is moving fast in exports as well,” he said, emphasizing the country’s transition toward self-reliance and outward expansion.

The government stated that India currently exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries. In recent years, the country has intensified efforts to manufacture a wide range of military assets domestically, including guns, drones, fighter jets, and submarines, either independently or through collaborations with foreign partners.

Despite this export growth, India remains the world’s fifth-largest military spender and the second-largest arms importer after Ukraine, according to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The dual position highlights both the scale of India’s defence requirements and the ongoing evolution of its domestic production capabilities.

The latest export figures mark a decisive moment in India’s defence trajectory, reflecting both policy momentum and rising international demand, as the country strengthens its role in the global defence market.