Becoming a defence powerhouse: India's 2030 goal goes beyond national security

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29-04-2025

India's defence transformation is as much about national security as it is about economic and technological self-sufficiency read more
At a recent dialogue session in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh voiced strong optimism about India's rising stature in global defence exports. Addressing the 'Marathwada – Atmanirbhar Bharat Ki Raksha Bhoomi' event, organised by the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA), he announced that India aims to achieve defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2030.
Highlighting the scale of ambition, Rajnath Singh noted that India's defence production is set to surpass ₹1.60 lakh crore this year, with a goal of touching ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. This policy shift aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), seeking to reduce dependence on foreign imports, bolster domestic industrial capabilities, and project India as a responsible and capable defence exporter.
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Speaking separately at The Week's 'Defence Conclave 2025 – Force of the Future', he emphasised that India's emergence as a developed power will 'go hand in hand with becoming a global military leader'. He reiterated the production target and underscored that India's defence manufacturing is not only about strategic autonomy and national security but also a shield against external supply disruptions. It reflects a strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency and a robust industrial defence ecosystem that serves not just domestic needs but also tremendously boosts export potential. This is especially important given the current geopolitical situation and its implications on the global supply chain.
In the recent decades, India has recalibrated its defence policy to bolster domestic manufacturing ecosystems. This transformation is seen in the exponential growth of defence exports, from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹21,000 crore in 2023-24, and from the aim of doubling this figure by 2030.
There is also an immense emphasis on self-reliance. This is highlighted in the procurement decisions taken by the government. Approximately 75 per cent of India's defence modernisation budget is now allocated for domestic acquisition. This is not only a fiscal strategy but also a deliberate policy signal to foster industrial innovation, specifically through collaborations between the public sector, private defence manufacturers, and emerging defence-tech start-ups.
This has enabled the production of a broad spectrum of indigenous systems in India, including fighter aircraft, naval vessels, advanced missiles, and unmanned platforms. The most notable example is of the various defence start-ups supported by the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, which are excelling in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, robotics, and next-generation communication systems.
Progress So Far
India is undergoing a dramatic transformation in its defence landscape, evolving from a major importer to an emerging manufacturing powerhouse. 2024 was a crucial year for India's defence sector, as exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore, reflecting a 32.5 per cent rise from the previous year and a 31-fold surge since 2013-14. However, this milestone is being facilitated by a mix of institutional reforms and strategic diplomacy.
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This month, India and Slovakia signed a landmark MoU aimed at advancing domestic defence manufacturing. The deal, signed during President Draupadi Murmu's visit, enables JCBL Group's Airbornics Defence and Space Private Limited to co-develop next-gen combat vehicle technologies with Slovakia.
Additionally, India is also poised to ink its largest-ever defence deal with France, worth over ₹63,000 crore, for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. This deal includes single- and twin-seater jets, fleet support, training modules, and indigenous components, enhancing air operations aboard INS Vikrant and supplementing the MiG-29K fleet.
Moreover, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's recent visits to the UK and Italy also led to significant dialogues and agreements. The 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting reaffirmed joint efforts in maritime cooperation, innovation, and industrial collaboration between the UK and India. India also invited UK firms to invest in the former's defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
In Italy, the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting explored maritime cooperation and information-sharing, with special focus on the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. An MoU between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Italy's AIAD was signed, opening new doors for industrial collaboration.
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Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Saudi Arabia further reflects India's intent to expand its defence footprint. As per the news, talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are expected to include defence cooperation, military exercises, and procurement frameworks, highlighting India's proactive engagement with the Middle East.
Road Ahead
India's defence strategy is constantly being shaped not only by domestic imperatives but also by changing power dynamics. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond have led to India positioning itself as a credible net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Furthermore, India's long-standing defence cooperation with countries such as the US, Russia and France has created a robust framework for military interoperability, defence trade and industrial co-production. These partnerships, if utilised correctly, have the potential to reposition India as a preferred alternative to China in global defence supply chains.
India's defence transformation is as much about national security as it is about economic and technological self-sufficiency. Furthermore, India's defence ascent didn't happen overnight, and huge scopes for improvement still remain. At The Week Defence Conclave, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stressed the urgent need for India to increase research and development spending. He pointed out that while China invests 2.6 per cent of its overall GDP in R&D, India lags behind, allocating only 5 per cent of its defence budget. Encouragingly, the government's decision to raise this share to 10 per cent of the defence budget over the next five years is seen as a necessary and forward-looking step.
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In this context and on a positive note, India has announced plans to raise R&D spending to 10 per cent of the defence budget over the next five years, a significant decision as India aims to become not just a manufacturer but a vital innovator in defence technology.
2025 can be another pivotal year for India's defence sector. With initiatives such as the formation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), India's defence journey can be seen as much more than just weapon modernisation, it's about self-reliance, strategic partnerships, indigenous innovation, and a long-term commitment to secure and empower the nation in an increasingly unstable world.
As India strides towards its 2030 export target, the success of this vision hinges upon factors such as political will, sustained R&D investments, integration of the private sector and start-ups, and a robust defence export strategy anchored on successful diplomatic outreach. If executed properly, India is well-positioned to become one of the top global players in the defence sector, redefining its role from consumer to exporter and one day, to creator of strategic security solutions.
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The author is a researcher at the East Asia Centre, MP-IDSA, New Delhi, India. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.