Towards a Global Defence Player

In the first quarter of 2024-25, India’s defence exports skyrocketed by 78%, reaching Rs 6,915 crore, a sharp increase from Rs 3,885 crore in the same period the previous year

Sharad Singh

India’s ascent as a formidable global defense player marks a significant shift from its historical role as one of the world’s top arms importers. For decades, India’s defence strategy relied heavily on foreign suppliers to meet its military needs. However, recent years have witnessed a dramatic transformation, driven by a concerted push towards self-reliance and indigenisation in weaponry. This strategic pivot is not just about reducing dependence on imports; it’s about positioning India as a key global player in the defence sector.

Over the past decade, India’s defence export landscape has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. The nation’s defence exports have surged by an astounding 30-fold, a testament to the success of its indigenisation efforts and strategic policy shifts. This transformation, though significantly bolstered by offset obligations, reflects a broader trend towards self-reliance that has become a cornerstone of India’s defence policy. Key contributors to this export boom include indigenously developed assets such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and advanced artillery guns. These innovations have not only enhanced India’s military capabilities but have also captured substantial international interest.

Today, India’s defence equipment is exported to over 90 countries, with the United States emerging as the largest buyer. The changing dynamics of global geopolitics, characterized by an increasing emphasis on military modernization and capability enhancement, have created fertile ground for Indian defence exports. This evolving landscape has opened up new opportunities for India, positioning it as a significant player in the global defence market.

In the first quarter of 2024-25, India’s defence exports skyrocketed by 78%, reaching Rs 6,915 crore, a sharp increase from Rs 3,885 crore in the same period the previous year. This impressive growth underscores the effectiveness of India’s strategic focus on expanding its defence export footprint. The Indian government has set an ambitious target of achieving a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2025, highlighting its commitment to becoming a major global defence player. This target is not merely aspirational; it represents a strategic blueprint for the future of India’s defence industry.

The rapid rise in defence exports is supported by a robust partnership between the public and private sectors. This collaboration has been instrumental in driving India’s defence export success. For example, the joint venture between Boeing and Tata Group, known as Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd, has established a state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad. This facility manufactures aero-structures for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache helicopters and has already supplied over 200 Apache fuselages and other aircraft components. Similarly, Lockheed Martin’s partnerships with Tata Advanced Systems Limited have deepened economic ties between the two nations. One of these ventures produces over 200 empennages for the C-130J transport aircraft, while another has delivered more than 157 cabins for the S-92 helicopters.

India’s defence export portfolio is diverse and expansive, encompassing a wide range of products including missiles, artillery guns, rockets, armoured vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, personal protective gear, radars, surveillance systems, and ammunition. This broad spectrum of offerings reflects India’s capability to provide high-quality defence products at competitive prices, making it an attractive supplier for nations looking to enhance their military capabilities affordably. Moreover, India’s strategic focus on providing easier lines of credit and leveraging diplomatic relationships has facilitated its entry into emerging markets in Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States remains a crucial partner in India’s defence export strategy, accounting for nearly 50% of India’s total defence exports. This strong trade relationship is driven by American companies sourcing systems, subsystems, and components from India as part of their global supply chains and offset commitments. The bilateral defence trade between India and the U.S. reflects a deepening of economic and strategic ties, showcasing the success of India’s export strategy. However, India’s approach is not limited to the U.S. market; there is a renewed focus on expanding defence trade with other regions, particularly Africa and the Asia-Pacific. These regions are experiencing a growing demand for affordable and reliable defence products, creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.

India’s journey towards becoming a global defence player is intricately linked to its 2014 policy on export promotion, which marked a significant turning point in the country’s approach to defence exports. This policy shift has laid the groundwork for sustained growth in defence exports, with the real impact expected to be felt in the coming years. As India continues to engage with countries eager to bolster their defence capabilities, its role as a significant player in the global defence market is poised to expand further.

The consistent progress in indigenising its defence sector reflects a new era in India’s defence strategy. The country’s focus on self-reliance, innovation, and global partnerships has positioned it as a key player in the international defence arena. India’s strategic emphasis on developing indigenous capabilities, combined with its expanding export footprint, signifies a paradigm shift in its approach to defence. The country’s growing role in the global defence market not only enhances its strategic standing but also contributes to global security dynamics.

As India navigates the complexities of global geopolitics, its defence industry is well-positioned to play an increasingly important role in shaping the international landscape. The rise of India as a global defence player is a testament to its strategic vision, innovative capabilities, and commitment to self-reliance. With a focus on expanding its export markets and strengthening global partnerships, India is set to become a pivotal player in the global defence sector, shaping the future of international defence and security.

 India’s remarkable transformation from a major arms importer to a global defence player is a significant milestone in its strategic evolution. The country’s emphasis on indigenisation, coupled with its growing export capabilities, reflects a new chapter in its defence strategy. As India continues to build on its successes and navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, its role as a key player in the global defence market is set to expand, contributing to the country’s strategic objectives and the broader international security environment.