India is steadily moving towards becoming one of the world’s leading defence exporters, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday while addressing an event in Shirdi, Maharashtra.The minister expressed confidence that India would emerge as the world’s biggest weapons exporter within the next 25 to 30 years, marking a major shift from its long-standing dependence on imported defence equipment.
India Shifting From Importer to Exporter
Speaking at the public event, Rajnath Singh said India has already begun transforming its defence ecosystem through increased domestic production and strategic policy reforms.“India was once considered a major weapons importer, but now no force can stop it from becoming the world’s biggest exporter in the next 25-30 years,” he said.India has significantly expanded indigenous defence manufacturing under the government’s “Make in India” initiative, focusing on reducing foreign dependence and boosting local production capabilities.
Private Sector to Play Bigger Role
The defence minister also highlighted the Centre’s goal of increasing private sector participation in defence manufacturing to 50 percent.According to Singh, private companies will play a critical role in accelerating innovation, production efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s defence industry.The government has already opened several defence projects to private players, encouraging partnerships in aircraft manufacturing, missile systems, drones, naval equipment and advanced military technologies.India’s Defence Export GrowthIndia’s defence exports have witnessed rapid growth over the last few years, with locally manufactured military equipment now reaching multiple countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The country has increasingly focused on exporting:
- Missile systems
- Artillery guns
- Patrol vessels
- Radar systems
- Defence electronics
- Drones and surveillance technologies
Government officials believe rising global demand, combined with India’s lower manufacturing costs and expanding technological capabilities, could strengthen the country’s position in the global defence market.
Push for Self-Reliance in Defence
India’s push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing gained momentum after concerns over heavy dependence on imports during global conflicts and supply chain disruptions.
The government has since prioritised indigenous production, technology transfer and domestic procurement across all three armed forces.
Several Indian-made defence platforms are now being showcased internationally, helping position India as an emerging defence manufacturing hub.
Focus on Long-Term Strategic Growth
Experts believe India’s defence ambitions are not limited to exports alone. The broader goal is to create a sustainable military-industrial ecosystem capable of supporting national security while generating economic growth and high-skilled employment.
With growing investments, policy support and increasing private participation, India’s defence sector is expected to play a larger role in the country’s long-term economic and strategic ambitions.
