India’s defence preparedness for decades relied heavily on imported equipment. Even as the armed forces remained large and professional, nearly 70% of defence hardware came from abroad well into the 1990s, primarily from Russia, Israel, and Western suppliers.
While this ensured operational capability, it limited strategic control.
Past conflicts and global supply disruptions—from the 1965 and 1971 wars to Kargil and the Russia–Ukraine crisis—highlighted the vulnerability of import dependence, emphasising the urgent need for indigenous defence capabilities.
Rising threats from China along the northern borders and in the Indo-Pacific, Pakistan’s use of asymmetric warfare, and emerging domains such as cyber, space, and unmanned systems have amplified the need for self-reliance.
Global supply shocks, sanctions, and export controls underline the risks for militaries lacking indigenous capacity. Atmanirbharta in defence has therefore evolved from a policy goal to a strategic necessity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed self-reliance, highlighting India’s goal to become a global defence manufacturing hub by 2047.
Structural reforms—such as the creation of the Department of Military Affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff and a strengthened Defence Acquisition Council—have streamlined procurement and prioritised indigenous systems.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual 2025 emphasise Buy (Indian-IDDM) systems, ensuring domestic platforms take precedence over imports.
Production Growth and Industrial Expansion
Indigenous defence production has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014–15 to nearly ₹1.50 lakh crore in 2024–25.
Defence exports have grown from under ₹1,000 crore to over ₹23,600 crore, reaching more than 90 countries.
Positive indigenisation lists and import embargoes guarantee domestic demand and strengthen industrial resilience.
Public-sector reforms, including DRDO initiatives and DPSU restructuring, coupled with nearly 16,000 MSMEs and private sector participation, have broadened the defence industrial base.
India now produces critical platforms such as Dhanush and ATAGS artillery, Akash and BrahMos missiles, LCA Tejas, ALH Dhruv, LCH Prachand, destroyers, frigates, and submarines.
Strategically, Atmanirbharta strengthens operational readiness, mitigates global supply risks, enhances diplomatic leverage, and drives economic growth through high-skill employment, R&D, and MSME support.
Defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana are emerging as industrial powerhouses, attracting investments and fostering innovation.
India’s journey from buyer to producer is creating global strategic influence while integrating confidently with international supply chains.
Sustaining reforms, bridging capability gaps, and advancing technology will ensure India achieves full strategic autonomy in defence in the coming decade.
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