India's defence sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a position heavily reliant on imports to a global exporter under the leadership of the Modi government. This shift has been lauded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has consistently emphasized the role of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative in driving this change.
One of the most striking indicators of this transformation is the exponential growth in defence exports. According to Rajnath Singh's office, defence exports have surged by a remarkable 34-fold in the last decade. In the fiscal year 2024-25, India exported defence goods worth Rs 23,622 crore, a massive increase compared to just Rs 686 crore in 2013-14. This remarkable growth underscores the increasing competitiveness and capabilities of the Indian defence industry. The government now aims for annual exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, further solidifying India's position in the global defence market.
Several strategic policy interventions and initiatives have contributed to this success. The "Make in India" program, coupled with Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, has been instrumental in attracting investments, enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers, and integrating India into the global supply chain. These efforts have reduced the dependency on imports and spurred domestic defence production to historic highs.
The government has also been actively investing in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with the establishment of multiple defence hubs across the country. These hubs serve as centers of innovation and production, fostering collaboration between public and private sector entities. Furthermore, many global companies have shown willingness to share critical defence and aerospace knowledge with their Indian counterparts, further boosting the country's technological capabilities.
The transformation is not limited to increased exports. India is now producing a wide array of defence items, including ammunition, weapons, systems/subsystems, and components, which are being exported to nearly 80 countries. Domestically, the armed forces are being equipped with indigenously designed and manufactured platforms and equipment, ranging from aircraft carriers and submarines to helicopters and fighter jets.
The Defence Minister has defined the present defence manufacturing scenario in the country as a synergy of the private and public sectors. Public and private sectors are working hand-in-hand to enhance the preparedness of armed forces.
The success of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative in the defence sector has also had a positive impact on investor sentiment. The Nifty India Defence Index has surged by over 30% in the past three months, reflecting rising confidence in the sector's growth potential. The recent tensions with neighboring countries and the effective performance of indigenously developed defence systems have further reinforced the strategic and commercial value of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Rajnath Singh has emphasized that mastering frontier technologies is crucial in the constantly evolving global landscape. Military training centers are playing a vital role in equipping soldiers to deal with future challenges. He also highlighted the importance of officers working as defence attaches in promoting national interests on the global stage, guided by the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
In conclusion, the Indian defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation under the Modi government, driven by the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. The surge in defence exports, increased domestic production, strategic policy interventions, and growing investor confidence are all testaments to this success. As India continues to invest in its defence capabilities and promote self-reliance, it is poised to become a major player in the global defence market, contributing to both its economic growth and strategic autonomy.
