India's Defence Export Reaches 80+ Countries

India’s defence exports have reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, supplying equipment to more than 80 countries worldwide — a nearly threefold increase in five years, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push and India’s emergence as a credible global defence supplier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's transformation in the defence sector during the Tri Commissioning ceremony of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak. He noted that defence production has grown from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today, while defence exports have surged from about ₹700 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore, reflecting India's growing self-reliance and global presence.

India’s Expanding Defence Export Footprint

• Export value: ₹38,424 crore ($4.6 billion approx.) in FY 2025–26, up 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Global reach: Defence products exported to 80+ countries, including the US, France, Armenia, and Southeast Asian nations.
• Sectoral contribution: DPSUs contributed 54.84% (₹21,071 crore), while private firms accounted for 45.16% (₹17,353 crore).
• Export authorisations: 1,762 authorisations issued in FY 2024–25, up 16.92% from the previous year.

Drivers of Growth

• Policy reforms: Simplified licensing, removal of components from license regime, extended validity periods, and streamlined SOPs for export authorisation.
• Private sector rise: MSMEs and start-ups are increasingly integrated into the supply chain, contributing nearly half of exports.
• Indigenisation: Defence production has grown from ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today, reducing import dependence.
• Government targets: India aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Comparative Growth Table

Fiscal Year	Export Value (₹ crore)	Countries Reached	Key Contributors
2014–15	~700	<20 td="">	DPSUs dominant
2020–21	~12,000	~50	Private sector rising
2024–25	23,622	~80	DPSUs ₹8,389 cr, Private ₹15,233 cr
2025–26	38,424	80+	DPSUs ₹21,071 cr, Private ₹17,353 cr

Risks & Challenges

• Technology obsolescence: Rapid innovation needed to stay competitive.
• Global competition: India must match quality standards of established exporters.
• Supply chain resilience: Dependence on critical raw materials like rare earths remains a vulnerability.

Strategic Implications

• India is transitioning from a net importer to a global exporter, strengthening its strategic autonomy.
• Exporting to 80+ countries enhances India’s geopolitical influence and positions it as a responsible defence supplier.
• The commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak reflects India’s growing naval capability and industrial strength.