India's Defence Exports Reach Record ₹38,424 Crore in 2025-26, Up 62.66%

Original: India’s defence exports increased by 62.66% in 2025-26 to reach all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore: Ministry

The Indian Express•Apr 2, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

India's defence exports soared to ₹38,424 crore (approximately $4.6 billion USD) in the financial year 2025-26, marking a 62.66% increase from ₹23,622 crore the previous year. This growth reflects the rising global acceptance of Indian defence products, with contributions from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private firms.

Key Points

01Defence exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.
02The increase of ₹14,802 crore represents a 62.66% growth compared to the previous year.
03DPSUs contributed 54.84% and private firms 45.16% to total exports.
04The number of defence exporters rose to 145, a 13.3% increase from the previous year.
05India is exporting defence equipment to over 80 countries.

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Full Summary

India's defence exports have achieved a record high of ₹38,424 crore (approximately $4.6 billion USD) in the financial year 2025-26, reflecting a substantial increase of 62.66% from ₹23,622 crore in the previous fiscal year. The Defence Ministry reported that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for 54.84% of the exports, while private firms contributed 45.16%. DPSUs saw a remarkable 151% increase in exports, while private sector growth was 14%. The rise in exports indicates a growing global acceptance of Indian-made defence products, with India now exporting to over 80 countries. The number of exporters has also increased to 145, up from 128 last year. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that this milestone showcases the strength of India's collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem. The Ministry of Defence has also streamlined export processes, further supporting this growth.

Key Figures

₹38,424 crore

Total defence exports for FY 2025-26

62.66%

Percentage increase in defence exports compared to the previous year

145

Number of defence exporters in FY 2025-26

₹1.86 lakh crore

Capital outlay for defence services in FY 2025-26

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Why It Matters

The increase in defence exports could lead to more job opportunities in the defence manufacturing sector and enhance India's position in the global defence market.

Who is affected

Defence manufacturers, workers in the defence sector, and the Indian economy.

What to know

Stakeholders in the defence sector should explore new markets and strengthen partnerships to capitalize on this growth.

FAQ

The increase is attributed to the rising global acceptance of Indian-made defence products and contributions from both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private firms.

India is exporting defence equipment to over 80 countries as of FY 2025-26.

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