Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction, India’s defense industry has experienced a significant metamorphosis during the last 11 years, characterized by a twin focus on modernization and independence. As he concluded his 11-year term in power, Prime Minister Modi highlighted these accomplishments and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities while lowering its reliance on imports.
The sharp increase in domestic defense production has been a pillar of this change. India’s defense output value increased by 174% from ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15 to an all-time high of ₹1,27,434 crore in 2023–24.
Strategic efforts like “Make in India” and a strong ecosystem that includes more than 430 licensed businesses, around 16,000 MSMEs, and Defence Public Sector Undertakings have been the main drivers of this expansion. Consequently, the percentage of defense equipment produced locally has flipped from a prior reliance on imports of 65–70% to 65% now.
Additionally, defense exports have skyrocketed, rising from ₹1,940 crore in 2014–15 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25. India has been able to create and sell cutting-edge military platforms, including artillery systems, planes, missiles, and naval assets, thanks to policy reforms and an emphasis on innovation. INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically constructed aircraft carrier, was commissioned, marking a significant milestone that PM Modi referred to as a representation of the country’s indigenous potential.
India’s defense position has been significantly strengthened by technological breakthroughs. The nation’s advancement in missile technology is demonstrated by the successful test-firing of the long-range BrahMos missile from a Su-30MKI fighter jet, which improved both precision and reach. With a 400–500 km range, the new BrahMos variant greatly increases India’s strategic capabilities.
In addition to modernizing its defenses, India has expanded its overseas footprint and strengthened its ties with other countries. With more over 2.9 lakh troops spread throughout 50 UN missions worldwide, the government has bolstered its role as a global peacekeeper and signed landmark trade agreements, including those with the UK and the UAE. India also showed its dedication to world peace during the COVID-19 epidemic by giving UN peacekeepers two lakh doses of the vaccine.
Under the direction of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), the country’s defense industry has not only become self-sufficient but also established India as a respected, self-assured, and resolute world leader. Innovation, calculated policy changes, and an unshakable dedication to creating a more powerful and secure Bharat are the driving forces behind this transition.
