At a press event in Shimla on June 10, 2025, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, announced bold targets: India wants to ramp up its defence exports to ₹50,000 crore this year and hit ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. The country has already supplied arms to 92 nations, marking a critical shift from being a net importer to an emerging global exporter
🔍 Current Position & Ambitious Goals
- Exports Today: India exported roughly ₹23,500 crore in 2024–25, supplying military equipment to 92 countrie
- Short-term Goal: Achieve ₹50,000 crore in exports this fiscal.
- Long-term Vision: Reach ₹3 lakh crore annually by 2029
✅ 5 Steps to Realize the ₹3 Lakh Crore Target
1. Harnessing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Momentum
India’s defence budget has grown from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹2.81 lakh crore in 2025–26, boosting manufacturing and strategic autonomy
2. Expanding Indigenous Capacity
With 16 DPSUs, over 430 licensed firms, 16,000 MSMEs, and a 65% domestic production rate, India has built a robust defence ecosystem ready to scale exports idrw.org
3. Streamlining Policies & Export Support
Title: Creation of bodies like IDEEA, positive indigenisation lists, and export authorisation system—all simplifying processes for defence exporters
4. Tech Innovation & High-End Manufacturing
Focus on advanced capabilities like missiles, aero-engines, drones, and hypersonic systems—supported by DRDO and the iDEX initiative
5. Boosting Diplomatic Outreach & Global Lookouts
India’s expanding footprint has garnered global trust—evacuations in Ukraine and Pahalgam have showcased its military effectiveness and reputation
🔍 Why This Strategy Matters
- Emerging as a Global Supplier: From importing, India is now a reliable vendor to 92 nations with a rising defence output of over ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY24
- Economic & Strategic Upside: Defence exports inject capital, support jobs, and strengthen diplomatic ties.
- Self-Reliance Extended Globally: Army, Navy, and Air Force are reducing import dependency—India now manufactures ~65% of its military equipment .
📆 Timeline & Outlook
- FY 2025–26: Aim for ₹50,000 crore in defence exports.
- 2026–28: Strengthening industrial infrastructure (industrial corridors, private sector growth, tech hubs).
- 2029: Target ₹3 lakh crore in exports—equivalent to building a globally competitive defence-export powerhouse.
Summary
India’s defence exports are set for a meteoric rise—from ₹23,500 crore today to ₹50,000 crore in 2025–26, and a transformative ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. With policy reforms, innovation, MSME support, and export strategy, India is poised to emerge as a major global defence supplier.
