India has cemented its status as a formidable global military power, achieving the rank of the world’s third-largest defence force according to the 2025 Asia Power Index. This significant advancement is a testament to the nation’s growing self-reliance and strategic prowess, highlighted by successful indigenous operations like ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which showcased its advanced drone combat capabilities. Beyond operational strengths, India is rapidly transforming into a major defence exporter, with projected exports to surpass Rs 30,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion USD) by March 2026. This growth fuels ambitions for Rs 50,000 crore ($6 billion USD) in exports by 2029, underscoring a strategic shift from importer to exporter. The year 2025, declared a ‘year of reforms,’ saw substantial progress under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, bolstering domestic manufacturing and innovation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted an almost 35-fold increase in defence exports over the past decade, with 2024-25 exports already reaching around Rs 24,000 crore. Today, India supplies defence products to over 100 nations, a clear indicator of its enhanced global standing. Experts anticipate a 20-25% increase in the defence budget for 2026-27 to support these evolving strategic requirements and technological advancements.
