Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday laid out an ambitious vision for India’s defence sector, stating that the country could emerge as the world’s largest arms exporter within the next 25 to 30 years.
The Defence Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a new ammunition manufacturing unit in Shirdi, where he highlighted the growing transformation of India from a major weapons importer into a rising defence manufacturing power.
Singh said the government is now focused on significantly increasing private sector participation in defence production and aims to raise its contribution to nearly 50 per cent in the coming years.
He said India’s defence ambitions could only be achieved through deeper collaboration between government institutions and private industry.
Private companies now central to defence growth
According to the Hindustan Times, speaking at the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the private sector’s role in defence manufacturing had evolved far beyond supplying small components and basic materials.
According to him, Indian private firms are now capable of developing advanced weapon systems and cutting-edge military technology. “When the government’s vision combines with private sector innovation, the country reaches new heights,” he said.
The Defence Minister added that the Centre wants India to emerge as a global hub for munitions production and defence automation. The statement reflects the government’s broader push under the Make in India initiative, which has increasingly encouraged domestic production of military equipment, ammunition systems, and strategic technology.
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India’s defence exports have grown sharply
According to the Hindustan Times, India’s defence exports have witnessed significant growth over the past few years, with locally manufactured weapons systems, artillery platforms, patrol vessels and aerospace components finding buyers in multiple countries.
Officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while simultaneously building a globally competitive domestic defence ecosystem.
Singh said India was once known primarily as one of the world’s biggest weapons importers, but that perception was now rapidly changing.
“No power can stop India from becoming the biggest exporter of weapons in the next 25 to 30 years,” he said during the address.
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Push for self-reliance gathers pace
According to the Hindustan Times, the government has steadily opened more defence production segments to private participation while simplifying procurement and encouraging joint ventures with global manufacturers.
Defence corridors in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with investments in indigenous fighter jets, drones, missile systems and naval equipment, are part of the larger strategy to build long-term self-reliance in military manufacturing.
