Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India’s defence exports have climbed to a record ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, registering a 62.66 per cent rise over the previous year.
The sharp rise signals growing global confidence in India’s home-grown defence systems and manufacturing capabilities, with the government pushing for a stronger, self-reliant defence sector.
In a post on X, Singh credited the milestone to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the scale of the increase. “Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story! India defence exports have touched a new all time high with a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66% growth over the previous fiscal. This big jump of ₹14,802 crore in defence exports reflects the growing global trust in India’s indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength,” he said.
India’s defence exports: Key numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Defence exports (FY26) | ₹38,424 crore |
| Growth (YoY) | 62.66% |
| Increase in value | ₹14,802 crore |
| DPSU share | 54.84% |
| Private sector share | 45.16% |
Public-private push drives export growth
The minister said both public and private sectors have played a key role in achieving this record. Defence Public Sector Undertakings contributed 54.84 per cent of total exports, while private companies accounted for 45.16 per cent.
“With DPSUs contributing 54.84% and private industry 45.16%, this milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defence ecosystem,” the post added.
Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story!
India defence exports have touched a new all time high with a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. It marks a robust 62.66% growth over the previous fiscal.… pic.twitter.com/eAAh1PYX7e
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 2, 2026
Earlier, speaking at an event in March, Singh had pointed to steady progress in defence manufacturing and exports. In FY 2024-25, domestic defence production crossed ₹1.50 lakh crore, while exports reached around ₹24,000 crore.
He had said exports were expected to touch nearly ₹29,000 crore by April 2026, with the government aiming for ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by FY 2029-30.
India defence exports growth
| Year | Exports |
|---|---|
| FY 2024-25 | ₹23,622 crore |
| FY 2025-26 | ₹38,424 crore |
| Target FY 2029-30 | ₹50,000 crore |
Singh also underlined the increasing role of private companies, noting that they currently contribute about 25 per cent of defence platforms, equipment and accessories. This share is expected to rise to 50 per cent in the coming years.
He further said that all warships and submarines currently on order for the Indian Navy are being built in Indian shipyards, covering everything from design and engineering to construction and lifecycle support. Calling it a major step towards self-reliance, Singh said, “Self-reliance is no longer just a slogan; it is being established as a practical reality. A Builder’s Navy is not a slogan; it is a ground reality.”