India’s Defence Exports Surge 1,100% In A Decade: FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday highlighted the dramatic growth of India’s defence sector over the last ten years, citing a staggering 1,100% increase in defence exports.

Speaking on the social media platform, she credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for transforming India into a trusted global defence partner and strengthening national security.

“India’s defence sector has undergone a major transformation in the last decade. From ₹1,941 crore in 2014 to ₹23,662 crore in 2024, India’s defence exports have grown by over 1,100% in the last decade to over 100 countries,” Finance Minister posted on X.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman emphasises boost to domestic production

FM Sitharaman emphasised that the government has committed 75% of the 2025–26 defence capital acquisition budget to domestic production, reinforcing the push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

She noted that the Ministry of Defence has added over 5,000 items to its indigenisation lists under the Aatmanirbharta campaign.

Defence production has surged from ₹43,000 crore a decade ago to over ₹1,46,000 crore, with the private sector contributing more than ₹32,000 crore.

Make-in-India strengthens national security

The Finance Minister hailed the Make-in-India initiative as a game-changer for India’s security preparedness.

She cited the successful use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor, asserting that the mission proved India’s ability to penetrate enemy defences.

Finance Minister Sitharaman pointed to several major operations and diplomatic successes that underline India’s enhanced security and foreign policy capabilities under the Modi administration.

She highlighted Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces eliminated over 100 terrorists through missile strikes on nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

On the foreign policy front, she noted the safe evacuation of 22,500 Indians from Ukraine during Russia’s military offensive and the rescue of 3,000 citizens from Sudan amid conflict.

India’s role in global health security

The Finance Minister also praised India’s contribution to global health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“India supplied over 30 crore vaccine doses to more than 100 countries,” she said, underlining the country’s role in combating the global health crisis.

With significant growth in defence production, export expansion, and key national and international operations, Sitharaman asserted that India is well on its path to becoming a self-reliant and secure global power.

Also Read: India Welcomes World’s Largest Container Ship At Vizhinjam Port