Has India’s Defence Production Reached an Unprecedented High of Rs 1.46 Lakh Crore?

New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) India's homegrown defence production has reached a remarkable milestone of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports climbing to an impressive Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25, as stated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.

While addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Summit, Singh noted, “Our defence production, which stood at merely Rs 43,000 crore a decade ago, has now surged to this unprecedented figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector contributing over Rs 32,000 crore. Our defence exports have dramatically increased from Rs 600-700 crore ten years ago to today's record of Rs 24,000 crore.”

He emphasized the importance of Make in India for national security and economic growth, pointing out that the deployment of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has demonstrated India's capability to breach any enemy defence.

“Our weaponry, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are now reaching approximately 100 countries. More than 16,000 MSMEs linked to the defence industry have become the foundation of the supply chain, enhancing our journey towards self-reliance and creating employment for millions,” the minister remarked.

He also mentioned that the execution model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will open avenues for the private sector to engage in a significant defence project alongside public sector firms for the first time, further advancing the Make in India initiative that was instrumental in the success of Operation Sindoor.

Singh described the execution model for the AMCA program to develop 5th generation fighter aircraft in India as a bold and decisive move, propelling the domestic aerospace sector to new heights.

“The AMCA project aims to create five prototypes, which will then lead to series production. This marks a significant milestone in the history of the Make in India initiative,” he added.

Discussing the success of Make in India during Operation Sindoor, Singh highlighted that the Indian Armed Forces effectively responded to terrorism in Pakistan and PoK thanks to enhanced indigenous defence capabilities.

Rajnath Singh reiterated that PoK is an integral part of India, asserting that those who were separated geographically and politically will eventually return to India voluntarily. “The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is steadfast in its commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Many individuals in PoK have a strong connection with India, with only a few being misled,” he stated.

The defence minister underscored the government's focus on policy clarity, indigenisation, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy, asserting that the success of these initiatives is contingent upon the active participation of all stakeholders, including innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, in this national mission. He urged the Indian industry to prioritize national interests above company interests. “If securing company interests is your karma, safeguarding national interests is your dharma,” he remarked.

In his remarks on the summit's theme, ‘Building Trust & India First’, Singh expressed pride in India's emergence as the fourth largest economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India is no longer merely a consumer of defence technology; we are now also a producer and exporter. When the global community seeks our advanced defence systems, it signifies respect for our capabilities,” he stated.

Rajnath Singh added that India is not only manufacturing fighter aircraft and missile systems but is also preparing for New Age Warfare Technology. “Our advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security are garnering international recognition,” he concluded.