India’s Defence Transformation Under PM Modi: From Import Dependence to Global Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significant progress India has achieved in strengthening its defence capabilities over the past 12 years. Guided by the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the country has made notable strides in indigenous innovation, technological advancement, and domestic manufacturing. This transformation has enhanced national security across air, land, and sea domains while positioning India as an emerging player in the global defence landscape.

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Record Growth in Defence Production and Exports

India’s defence sector has experienced remarkable expansion in recent years. In FY 2025-26, annual defence production reached an all-time high of approximately ₹1.78 lakh crore, reflecting a 15.6 percent increase from the previous year and more than doubling from levels seen in FY 2020-21. This growth underscores the success of sustained efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Defence exports have similarly shown impressive momentum, touching a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26 — a rise of about 62.7 percent over the prior fiscal. Over the longer term, exports have grown manifold since 2014, with Indian defence equipment now reaching more than 80 countries. These achievements highlight growing international confidence in indigenous platforms and the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting exports and private sector participation.

The Union Budget for 2026-27 has further supported this trajectory with a substantial allocation to the Ministry of Defence, emphasising capital acquisitions from domestic sources and enhanced funding for research and development.

Advancements Across Air, Land, and Sea Domains

In the air domain, platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas have matured, with ongoing production and integration of indigenous systems. The Akash-NG air defence missile has successfully completed user evaluation trials, demonstrating enhanced interception capabilities against diverse aerial threats at varying altitudes and ranges. Progress in hypersonic technologies and other missile systems has also strengthened aerial defence and strike options.

On land, significant indigenisation efforts have covered thousands of defence items, including upgrades to systems like the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. These developments have reduced import dependence and improved the readiness of ground forces through locally developed solutions.

At sea, the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, stands as a landmark achievement in naval shipbuilding. The Navy now constructs a substantial majority of its vessels domestically. Other milestones include advanced frigates, destroyers, conventional submarines under the Kalvari class, and the nuclear-powered INS Arihant, which has contributed to completing India’s nuclear triad for strategic deterrence.

Strategic Milestones and Ecosystem Development

A key highlight in strategic capabilities has been the successful testing of the Agni-V ballistic missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology. This places India among a select group of nations possessing such advanced systems, enhancing credible deterrence.

Beyond major platforms, the defence ecosystem has broadened considerably. Over 1,000 startups and thousands of MSMEs are now actively contributing to innovation and supply chains. Initiatives supporting research through DRDO, along with streamlined procurement policies, have fostered greater collaboration between public and private entities, accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation technologies.

Towards a Secure and Developed India

These advancements in defence capabilities align with India’s broader national goals, including enhanced border infrastructure, operational preparedness, and a commitment to addressing security challenges effectively. The focus remains on building a future-ready armed forces equipped with indigenous solutions, while promoting strategic autonomy on the global stage.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from heavy import dependence towards a more self-reliant and technologically advanced ecosystem. Record defence production of ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports worth ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26 demonstrate the growing strength of indigenous manufacturing and the success of policies encouraging innovation and private sector participation. With Indian defence products now reaching more than 80 countries, the expansion of domestic capabilities reflects increasing global confidence in India's ability to emerge as a reliable defence partner.

Progress across air, land, and maritime domains highlights the depth of this transformation. Indigenous platforms such as Tejas, Akash-NG, Pinaka, INS Vikrant, and advanced strategic systems including the Agni-V with MIRV capability underscore India's focus on strengthening national security through homegrown technologies. The participation of startups, MSMEs, DRDO, and private industry has created a vibrant defence ecosystem that supports innovation, enhances operational preparedness, and reinforces India's long-term vision of achieving strategic autonomy and becoming a developed nation by 2047.

(Sources: News on Air, Times of India, India Today)