August 11, 2025
The figure marks an 18% rise over INR 1.2 lakh crore in 2023–24 and a 90% jump since 2019–20
Defence exports touched INR 23,622 crore in 2024–25
Public sector units contributed 77% of the output, while the private sector’s share rose to 23%
Growth is attributed to policy reforms, ease of doing business, and indigenisation efforts
India’s annual defence production has crossed the INR 1.5 lakh crore mark for the first time, recording a sharp increase over previous years. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the achievement as a clear sign of the country’s strengthening defence industrial base.
The 2024–25 figure represents an 18% increase over the previous fiscal year’s INR 1.2 lakh crore and a 90% surge from INR 79,071 crore in 2019–20. Officials credited the milestone to the combined efforts of the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production, defence public sector undertakings (PSUs), other state-owned manufacturers, and private industry.
Exports have also risen significantly, reaching INR 23,622 crore in 2024–25. Public sector units, including defence PSUs, accounted for 77% of total output, while the private sector contributed 23%, up from 21% in the previous year—reflecting its expanding role in the defence ecosystem.
Officials said both public and private industry segments have shown consistent annual growth over the past decade. They attributed this to targeted policy reforms, greater ease of doing business, and a sustained push for indigenisation. Efforts to cut import dependence and develop a robust domestic defence industrial complex, they noted, have begun delivering tangible results.
Source: Times of India