India’s defence exports jump 62.6 per cent to record Rs 38,424 crore in FY26:

India’s defence exports touched a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, marking a robust 62.66 per cent year-on-year growth, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, highlighting a major milestone in the country’s push for self-reliance in military production.

The latest figures represent a sharp increase of Rs 14,802 crore compared to the previous fiscal, signalling rising global demand for Indian-made defence equipment and growing confidence in the country’s manufacturing capabilities. In a post on X, Singh described the achievement as an “impressive defence exports success story” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the Defence Ministry, the surge reflects sustained policy support, increased private sector participation, and a steady expansion of India’s defence industrial base. The data shows that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed 54.84 per cent of total exports, while private sector firms accounted for 45.16 per cent, underlining a more balanced and competitive ecosystem.

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India has been actively promoting indigenous production through initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, easing export procedures, and expanding defence diplomacy with partner nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The government has also identified defence manufacturing as a strategic sector to boost high-value exports and strengthen national security.

The strong growth comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and supply chain realignments, which have opened new opportunities for emerging defence exporters like India. With a widening product portfolio, ranging from missiles and artillery systems to electronics and surveillance equipment, India is steadily positioning itself as a reliable supplier in the global arms market.

Going forward, policymakers expect the momentum to continue as investments in technology, innovation, and private participation deepen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.