India's Defence Exports Achieve Historic High with 62% Growth in FY26
India's defence exports have reached an unprecedented milestone, surging by over 62% to a record Rs 38,424 crore in the fiscal year 2025-26. This remarkable growth reflects a significant increase in global demand for the country's indigenous military systems and advanced manufacturing capabilities, as reported by official sources.
Defence Minister Highlights Robust Performance and Global Trust
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the achievement, describing it as a "big jump" that underscores rising international confidence in India's defence ecosystem. In a social media post, Singh stated, "India defence exports have touched a new all-time high with a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66 per cent growth over the previous fiscal." He further emphasized that this increase of Rs 14,802 crore demonstrates growing global trust in India's indigenous capabilities and manufacturing strength.
Comparative Analysis and Long-Term Growth Trends
The latest figures represent a substantial rise from Rs 23,622 crore in FY25 and Rs 21,083 crore in FY24, indicating a nearly threefold increase in exports over the past five years. The defence ministry has hailed this performance as a "landmark milestone", aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India among the world's top defence exporters.
Sectoral Contributions and Export Expansion
Public sector undertakings (DPSUs) played a dominant role, accounting for 54.84% of total exports with a contribution of Rs 21,071 crore. Meanwhile, private sector firms contributed Rs 17,353 crore, representing 45.16% of shipments. India is now exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries, with the number of exporters increasing to 145 from 128 in the previous fiscal, a 13.3% rise.
Policy Reforms and Global Integration
The ministry attributed the growth to enhanced global acceptance of Indian-made defence products and deeper integration into international supply chains. Key reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business have supported this expansion, including:
- A revamped online portal for streamlined processes.
- Simplified procedures for export authorisations.
- Continued policy support and industry collaboration to build a competitive defence manufacturing base.
These efforts have fostered a performance-driven environment, reinforcing India's position as a reliable supplier in the global defence market.
