The central government, led by Narendra Modi, has radically changed India’s defense industry over the last 11 years by emphasizing independence, modernization, and a worldwide export presence. A thorough summary of the sector’s advancements and significant reforms during this time can be found below.
Since 2014, India’s defense output has increased at an unprecedented rate of 174%, reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–2024. Strong government support for domestic design, development, and manufacturing is responsible for this remarkable growth, which greatly lowers dependency on imports and increases domestic capacity.
Defense exports increased from ₹1,940 crore in 2014–15 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25, a 34-fold increase. Major nations like the US, France, and Armenia are among the more than 85 nations to which India currently exports military hardware. Both public and private sector initiatives have contributed to this export boom, with the government aiming for defence exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
The creation and implementation of domestic defense systems have been promoted by the government. India’s advancements in defense technology were demonstrated through operations like Sindoor, which featured platforms like the Akash surface-to-air missile, BrahMos missiles, and loitering munitions. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand are two other noteworthy domestic initiatives.
In Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, two special defense industrial corridors have been created, drawing in over ₹8,658 crore in investments and resulting in the signing of 253 memorandums of understanding with a combined potential investment of ₹53,439 crore. These corridors are intended to support MSMEs and start-ups in the defense industry, create jobs, and stimulate domestic production.
simplified to support the Make in India campaign and give preference to domestic procurement.
Decision-making has sped up and inter-service coordination has improved since the CDS post was established.
The implementation of theater commands, which will improve armed forces’ operational coordination, is currently under way.
In the past eleven years, the number of female officers has increased threefold to more than eleven thousand. 507 female officers have been given permanent commissions, allowing them to serve in the military for an extended period of time. An important step toward gender parity has been taken with the admission of women to the National Defence Academy and their induction into combat roles.
India showed its commitment to combating terrorism by launching surgical strikes in retaliation for the 2016 Uri attack.
Operation Sindoor, which was started in 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, was a watershed in Indian defense strategy. Through precise airstrikes, strong naval posture, and efficient ground coordination, it displayed tri-services synergy, strategic depth, and technological dominance. Major reforms and integrated systems drove the operation, which sent a powerful deterrent message to enemies.
In order to establish India as a global center for defense manufacturing, the government wants to increase defense exports to over ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
To become truly self-reliant and stay competitive in the global market, more money must be spent on research and development.
Under the Modi administration, India’s defense industry has transformed from an import-dependent sector to a contemporary, export-focused, and independent one. India has become a powerful force in international defense thanks to the sector’s transformation, which is characterized by record production, exponential export growth, domestic technological advancements, gender inclusivity, and strong responses to security threats.
