For a long time, India mostly bought defence items like fighter jets, tanks, and guns from other countries. But now, things are changing! India is not just buying, it is also making and selling these powerful tools to other nations.
India is becoming a powerful defence exporter This is beneficial to the nation in a number of ways. It also contributes to the economy, through more money and even creation of job opportunities. After selling to other countries, India is also creating new friendships and the way countries operate.
These new defence contracts are making India more significant in the globe. It is time to find out more about how defence exports are making India a huge difference in the world!
What Are Defence Exports?
Defence exports mean selling things that help a country stay safe during war or emergencies. These include fighter planes, missiles, tanks, radar systems, warships, drones, bulletproof jackets, guns, and bullets. Such tools are very important for any country to protect itself. Earlier, India used to buy most of these items from other nations. But now, India is making many of these defence tools at home.
This is a big step forward! India is not only using them for its safety but also sending them to other countries that need them. This means India is now a seller, not just a buyer. These exports are helping India earn more money and grow stronger in the defence world. It’s also building new friendships with other nations through these sales.
Why India Wants to Export Defence Products
There are many good reasons:
To earn more money- When India sells defence products to other countries, it earns a lot of money. This money can be used to build schools, hospitals, roads, and other important things for people. Selling things like fighter planes, missiles, and tanks helps India become richer and improves the lives of its people in many ways.
To depend less on other countries- India wants to make its defence tools so it doesn’t have to buy them from other countries all the time. If India can make everything by itself, it becomes more independent and safe. This means India can protect itself better during emergencies or war without waiting for help from others.
To become a strong country- A strong defence industry helps India grow into a big and powerful country in the world. When India makes and sells its defence products, other countries start to respect it more. This also helps India become an important part of global decisions and world peace talks.
To support friendly countries- India has many friends around the world. When these friendly countries need defence tools, India can give them at a lower cost. This builds trust and better relationships. Helping friends with affordable defence products also shows that India cares about peace and safety for all.
To grow the ‘Make in India’ movement- The government wants more products to be made in India, not in other countries. This is called the “Make in India” plan. Making defence items in India not only gives jobs to local people but also makes the country proud. It also saves money and helps the Indian industry grow faster and stronger.
How Much Has India Grown in Defence Exports?
India’s defence exports have grown a lot in the past few years. In 2014, India sold defence items worth only ₹1,940 crore. But now, in the financial year 2024-25, this number has reached a record high of ₹23,622 crore! That’s a huge jump in just 10 years. India is now making and selling many defence tools like guns, drones, and warships to over 85 countries around the world.
Some of the countries buying from India include Vietnam, the Philippines, Armenia, Indonesia, Mauritius, Myanmar, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This shows that India is now a big and trusted name in defence exports. The country is growing stronger and earning more respect globally.
What Defence Products Is India Exporting?
1. BrahMos Missile
The BrahMos missile is one of India’s most powerful and famous defence products. It is super fast and can hit targets from very far away. India made it with help from Russia. The Philippines has already bought it, and many other countries are also showing interest in buying this strong missile.
2. Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)
In India, special helicopters are manufactured under the name Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). Such helicopters can be used in many purposes including rescue operations, combat helicopters and the transportation of passengers or materials. They are Indian made and robust, swift and helpful in various weather conditions. Other nations now purchase these helicopters to operate them.
3. Radars and Surveillance Systems
India builds smart radar and surveillance systems that help in watching the skies and seas. These systems can see enemy planes or ships from far away. They help keep a country safe by giving early warning. Many countries are buying these high-tech tools from India to protect their borders better.
4. Bulletproof Jackets and Small Weapons
India is also making and selling bulletproof jackets and small weapons like guns. These are very helpful for soldiers to stay safe during fights. Many small and friendly countries are buying these safety tools from India. These jackets and weapons are made with good quality and protect soldiers in tough times.
Which Indian Companies Are Leading the Way?
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)- HAL is one of India’s biggest defence companies. It makes different kinds of aircraft like fighter planes and helicopters. These are used by the Indian Air Force and also sold to other countries. HAL plays a very big role in helping India grow its defence exports and become strong in the sky.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)- BEL is a government-owned company that makes smart electronic systems for the military. It builds radars, communication tools, and control systems. These help in spotting enemies and staying safe. BEL’s products are trusted in many countries, and it is one of the top companies helping India sell defence electronics to the world.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)- BDL is a producer of high powered missiles and torpedoes. The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force use these. BDL also sells their missiles to friendly nations. Through it, India is made strong in the technology of missiles and also makes the country proud as it displays its power to the world.
Private Companies (L&T, Tata, Mahindra Defence)- Besides government companies, there are also other companies that are doing wonders such as Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Tata advanced systems, and Mahindra Defence. They produce military automobiles and drones and defence ships. The new ideas and highly intelligent technology to create and export more defence products are the reason why these companies are making India rise at a quicker rate.
How Is India Changing Global Friendships?
India and Southeast Asia: New Ties- India is enhancing its relationship with the South East Asian neighbours Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines by supplying defence platforms such as BrahMos missiles, patrol ships, and offering training. These alliances are a part of India Act East policy and strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through development of relationships of trust and increased strategic cooperation.
India and Africa: Helping Neighbors- India is expanding defence alliances with several African countries including Tanzania, Algeria, Madagascar, Nigeria and Kenya. Through exercises like AIKEYME and joint training, India is assisting these countries to develop their maritime and land security capabilities. This cooperation enhances India’s position as a trusted partner and further strengthens defence cooperation with the Global South.
India and Middle East: Stronger Bonds- India is enhancing the collaboration of its defence with the Gulf countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Oman through offering of radar systems, missile partnerships, including Akash and Barak -8, defence production as well as military drills. There are new agreements and joint projects which are improving the cooperation in the maritime and aerospace realms, increasing the strategic value of India in the region.
A Peaceful Power: India Doesn’t Sell to Everyone
India is careful about whom it sells defence items to. It wants peace, not war. So:
- It only sells to friendly countries.
- It does not sell to countries who may use weapons in a bad way.
- It follows global rules to make sure everything is safe and fair.
This shows India wants to be a responsible exporter.
Training and Support: Not Just Selling Stuff
India does not just sell products. It also helps other countries by:
- Training their army
- Fixing and repairing equipment
- Sending experts to help them use tools properly
This builds long-term friendships and makes countries trust India more.
India as a Defence Hub for the World
India’s defence exports surged to a record ₹23,622 crore (approx. US$ 2.76 billion) in FY 2024–25, marking a 12.04% growth over the previous year’s ₹21,083 crore. These figures are officially reported by India’s Ministry of Defence and widely covered in news media such as NDTV and Business Standard.
Looking ahead, the Indian government has set a bold target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029 (or 2030 in some policy outlines), as stated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reflected in strategic planning documents like the Defence Production Policy and the broader “Make in India” initiative.
So, the key figures are:
- ₹23,622 crore exports in FY 2024–25 (12% growth over FY 2023–24, ₹21,083 crore)
- Target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029/2030 based on government defence export goals
India’s Role in Changing World Groups
In the past, world power blocs looked like this:
- USA with NATO
- Russia paired with China
- Europe acting on its own
India is setting up itself to be a bridge building middle/aspiring great power that shares a connection between the East and the West. India maintains a strategic non-alignment with all global powers and maintains relations with all prominent powers including the U.S., Europe, China and Russia.
India has become a seller of defence goods and has been making friends with rich and poor nations. It is also part of forums like BRICS, I2U2 (Indo-Abrahamic Alliance), IBSA, and even the emerging regional forums like India-Africa and India-Southeast Asia to foster cooperation between continents.
These efforts are reshaping alliances in a peaceful, inclusive way, building new coalitions based on trust, shared values, and South‑South collaboration. India has hosted its largest joint naval drills with African countries (AIKEYME) in April 2025, deepening ties across the Indian Ocean.
Overall, India is not only a participant in ancient blocs, but forms new groupings, reaches out to both poles of world competition, and establishes a more equal world order. It is already becoming a connector and trusted partner in various zones.
Future Plans: What’s Next?
India has big plans for the future:
- Sell defence items to more countries
- Make new fighter jets like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA
- Build modern submarines and smart missiles
- Join top global defence expos and shows
By 2030, India wants to be one of the top 5 defence exporters in the world.
Final Takeaway
India is quickly becoming a strong and trusted name in the world of defence. From making fighter jets and missiles to selling them to friendly countries, India is growing into a global defence leader. This growth brings more jobs, money, and respect.
India is also helping build peace by sharing its tools with care. With big goals set for 2030, India is on the path to becoming one of the top defence exporters. It’s not just selling, it’s building trust, safety, and strong global friendships.
Article by Rachna