Annual defence exports and production reached record levels in FY 2025-26, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that the milestone reflects growing global confidence in Make in India defence platforms. He said India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has transformed significantly over the past decade, strengthening the country’s journey towards self-reliance and Viksit Bharat.
Record Defence Exports Highlight Success of Make in India
Annual defence production touched an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, which is three times higher than the figure recorded in FY 2014-15.
Defence exports also reached a record over ₹38,000 crore, up from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14—an increase of nearly 57 times, underlining growing international confidence in India’s indigenous defence platforms.
“India’s journey over the last 12 years has been a progression from shortages to self-reliance, from self-reliance to self-confidence, and from self-confidence towards building a Viksit Bharat,” Rajnath Singh said while addressing a media event.
The sharp rise in defence exports reflects expanding global demand for Indian-made defence equipment and the government’s continued focus on boosting indigenous manufacturing.
Rajnath Singh Highlights India’s Manufacturing and Technology Growth
The Defence Minister said that in its third term, the government is laying a strong foundation for Viksit Bharat through the policy of “Reform, Perform, Transform,” expressing confidence that India will emerge as a developed nation in the future.
He said that when Make in India was launched in 2014, some critics dismissed it, but the initiative has since achieved major milestones.
“There has been a transformational change in India’s global stature. While the world earlier paid little heed to our voice, today it listens attentively to India’s perspective on global issues,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also noted that despite initial scepticism over the India Semiconductor Mission, India produced its own semiconductor chips last year following the establishment of semiconductor parks based on a plug-and-play infrastructure model.
Defence Production, Digital India and 5G Expansion Gain Momentum
The minister highlighted India’s growth in manufacturing and technology, citing the expansion of mobile manufacturing, automobile exports, indigenous locomotive production, and digital infrastructure under the Make in India programme.
He also pointed to India’s digital transformation, stating that 22.35 billion UPI transactions worth ₹29 lakh crore were recorded in April, while the payment platform’s international footprint continues to expand.
Rajnath Singh further highlighted the nationwide rollout of indigenously developed 5G technology and said work is underway to develop 6G technology.
He also praised the successful implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying it has evolved into a model of cooperative federalism by strengthening coordination between the Centre and States/UTs. He said reforms across defence, manufacturing, technology and digital infrastructure are contributing to India’s long-term economic and strategic growth.
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