India Defence News, New Delhi, April 1, 2025 – India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore (approximately USD 2.76 billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, marking a robust growth of 12.04% over the previous fiscal’s Rs 21,083 crore, the Ministry of Defence announced. This milestone underscores India’s growing stature as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Significant Growth Driven by Policy Reforms
The surge, equivalent to an increase of Rs 2,539 crore, reflects the impact of government initiatives to boost indigenous production and simplify export processes.
Reforms such as
- streamlined industrial licensing,
- relaxed regulations on parts and components, and
- extended license validity periods
have empowered the defence industry to compete globally.
DPSUs and Private Sector Lead the Charge
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) recorded a remarkable 42.85% rise in exports, contributing Rs 8,389 crore, up from Rs 5,874 crore in FY 2023-24.
The private sector maintained its dominance, accounting for Rs 15,233 crore, a slight increase from Rs 15,209 crore the previous year.
Together, they have expanded India’s footprint in the global supply chain.
Diverse Exports to Over 80 Countries
A wide range of products, including ammunition, arms, subsystems, and components, were exported to approximately 80 countries in FY 2024-25.
This diversity highlights the growing acceptance of Indian defence equipment worldwide, fueled by quality and competitiveness.
Streamlined Export Authorizations
The Department of Defence Production’s dedicated portal facilitated a 16.92% increase in export authorizations, issuing 1,762 permits in FY 2024-25 compared to 1,507 the previous year. The number of exporters also grew by 17.4%, signaling broader industry participation.
Ambitious Target of Rs 50,000 Crore by 2029
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, stating that India is on track to reach Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called it a “proud milestone” in India’s journey toward self-reliance and global leadership in defence manufacturing.
A Shift Toward Self-Reliance
The growth reflects India’s evolution from an import-dependent nation to one focused on indigenous production.
The Ministry emphasized that ongoing reforms and digital solutions for export processes are enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.