Encouraging growth in defense exports

Dr. Amit Singh
associate professor
Center for National Security Specialized Studies, JNU

The unprecedented growth in India’s defense exports is very encouraging. For the first time in the history of independent India, India’s defense exports have been worth Rs 21,083 crore in the last financial year (2023-24), which has seen a jump of 32.5 percent in just one financial year. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has naturally called it a huge achievement for the country and said that India has exported its defense products to 84 countries, including Russia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi-Arabia, Israel, Italy etc. This miraculous goal has been achieved by selling. There has been a lot of change in India’s defense policy in the last decade under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India used to export defense products even before 2014, but due to many positive policies of the Modi government in the last ten years, India’s defense industry has gained significant strength and through this, India’s international position has also been improved. India’s economic condition has also been strengthened and employment opportunities in the country have also increased. In comparison to previous governments, the Modi government has not only motivated the defense manufacturing sector to increase defense exports, but facilities for technological modernization have also been increased. At the same time, an encouraging environment has been created for government and private sector companies. Due to this positive environment, these companies made research more effective and gave technical credibility to India’s defense equipment by taking special care of quality, through which today India has established itself on the world stage as a capable defense exporting country. .

Till a few years ago, India used to buy only weapons, that is, there was a huge dependence on imports, but now India is also manufacturing and selling weapons itself. With this capability enhancement, India has presented a challenge to Russia as well as America and other big countries that now you are not the only player in the international market of defense sector, now India is also present here, which has many quality state-of-the-art weapons. And there are related equipment, which it can provide to different countries. India’s defense exports are now gradually reaching every corner of the world.

The products manufactured in the country are being exported to Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Chile and many other countries. The demand for Indian defense products is increasing globally. This indicates growing confidence in the capability and quality of Indian defense products. It is noteworthy that ever since the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has given the slogan of Self-reliant India and has focused on promoting indigenous production and consumption, the profits of defense companies and enterprises engaged in exports have been continuously increasing. At the same time, the credibility of weapons developed in India has also increased.

If India now includes naval related equipment and their maintenance, repair etc. in defense exports and encourages such enterprises more, then more new records can be set in defense exports. The main reason for this is that many countries have started increasing their naval power in view of China’s aggressive challenge in the Indian Ocean as well as in the South and East China Sea. India is also trying to strengthen its navy. At present, apart from various types of warships, India is also building two-three aircraft carriers, which are completely indigenous. Even submarines equipped with nuclear energy are being built, which will soon be included in the Navy’s fleet.

Only a few countries have this capability, but many countries need such products, hence India should now make these equipment for other countries also so that it can control China’s expansionism as well as protect itself. Could also increase exports more. Export figures clearly indicate that India’s capabilities in the field of defense have now received global acceptance. The Indian defense products which are being increasingly exported include personal protective equipment, coastal surveillance vehicles, ALH helicopters, SU avionics, coastal surveillance systems, light engineering mechanical parts, armor MODs and many other defense equipment. Due to these cutting-edge defense equipment and technologies, international buyers have special interest in Indian products.

Along with BrahMos, India has also developed many advanced missiles, which also have a naval version and are also being deployed. Now India is also selling different types of missiles to Vietnam, Philippines and other countries. The important reason for this purchase is that countries of South-East Asia like Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines are feeling threatened by China’s aggression. Recently, India has also successfully tested Agni-5, equipped with the capability to carry out multi-dimensional attacks, developed entirely in the country. This technology is also available in a few selected countries. India should also share such technical expertise with its friendly countries.

There is no doubt that India has the expertise and on this basis it can play a long and credible role in the global arena. Now India has established itself as a big power on the international stage in defense self-reliance and in the coming times, India’s influence in international politics will also increase. If India continues to give such importance to its defense export policy, it will not only help in expanding the economy, it will also have many benefits at the strategic level. Along with encouraging private participation and investment in the defense sector, the government’s policy of emphasizing on purchasing indigenous goods has also given great impetus to the defense industry.

(These are the personal views of the author.)