India’s Defence Sector Soars with 11 Years of Growth

🇮🇳 Defence Sector Sees Unprecedented Growth Under 11 Years of Modi Government

Modernisation, Self-Reliance, and National Pride Define India’s New Defence Era

Over the last 11 years, India has taken bold steps to transform its defence sector, making it modern, self-reliant, and globally competitive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the unprecedented progress made since 2014, celebrating the collective determination of Indians to build a stronger and safer nation.

“The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self-reliant,” PM Modi stated.
(Source: @NarendraModi on X)

🔍 Self-Reliance in Defence: From Importer to Exporter

India, once heavily dependent on defence imports, has now moved towards becoming a net defence exporter. According to the Ministry of Defence, India’s defence exports have increased from ₹1,940 crore in 2014 to over ₹16,000 crore in 2023–24.

This dramatic shift is the result of initiatives like:

• Make in India – Defence

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) reforms

• Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

These policies have opened the doors for startups, MSMEs, and major Indian players to participate in manufacturing high-tech equipment—from drones and missiles to submarines and radar systems.

🛡️ Modernisation on Fast Track

Modernisation has also accelerated. The Indian Armed Forces are being equipped with:

• Rafale fighter jets

• Tejas Mk1A made indigenously

• Arjun battle tanks

• INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier

Digital transformation in defence with AI-powered surveillance, cyber defence capabilities, and space-based communication systems is further boosting operational readiness.

👨‍🏫 Public-Private Synergy Strengthens Defence Ecosystem

The private sector’s participation in defence is no longer symbolic—it’s central. Companies like L&T, Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, and Adani Defence are building advanced weaponry and exporting globally.

This synergy has also fostered over 300 defence startups across India. Their innovations range from combat drones to anti-drone systems, many of which are already deployed by the armed forces.

🌐 India on the Global Defence Map

India now supplies defence equipment to 85+ countries, with clients including Armenia, the Philippines, and several African nations. India’s growing presence at global arms expos like DefExpo and Aero India showcases its new confidence.

These achievements not only boost strategic autonomy but also enhance India’s global credibility as a reliable defence partner.

📈 Featured Data: Defence Growth by Numbers