India's Defence Manufacturing Revolution: From Importer to Exporter

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced a significant transformation in India's defence manufacturing sector, highlighting the country's shift from being an import-dependent nation to an emerging producer and exporter. With defence production soaring to Rs 1.51 lakh crore and exports reaching nearly Rs 24,000 crore, Singh emphasized the impact of sustained efforts over the past decade. The inauguration of 125 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) further underscores this progress, showcasing India's commitment to enhancing its strategic capabilities and self-reliance in defence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 16:55 IST

A New Era in Defence Manufacturing

Leh: On Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted a significant transformation in India's defence sector, emphasizing the shift from reliance on imports to becoming a notable producer and exporter.

Singh noted that the nation previously struggled with a lack of domestic manufacturing capabilities for arms and equipment, but consistent efforts over the past decade have changed this narrative.

"Thanks to our dedication over the last ten years, defence production has surged from around Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to an impressive Rs 1.51 lakh crore today. Additionally, defence exports have skyrocketed from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago to nearly Rs 24,000 crore now," Singh stated during the inauguration of 125 key infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the region.

These projects, which include 28 roads, 93 bridges, and four miscellaneous works, span across the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as seven states: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Mizoram, with a total investment of Rs 5,000 crore.

Singh praised the BRO for its advancements in technological innovation, asserting that modern engineering techniques are expediting the completion of these vital infrastructure projects.

He specifically acknowledged the BRO's implementation of Class-70 modular bridges, developed in collaboration with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

"The successful deployment of these modular bridges at various forward locations exemplifies how indigenous technology is enhancing infrastructure in border regions. These bridges, entirely designed and manufactured in India, represent a significant achievement in our engineering self-sufficiency," he remarked.

The Defence Minister also revealed that for the fiscal year 2024-25, the BRO recorded an unprecedented expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore, with a target of Rs 18,700 crore set for FY 2025-26, reflecting the government's trust in the BRO's capabilities.

In the past two years, 356 infrastructure projects by the BRO have been dedicated to the nation, marking a significant milestone in strategic infrastructure development, according to an official.

He emphasized that the execution of these projects in diverse and challenging terrains showcases the BRO's unparalleled ability to operate in high-altitude, snow-covered, desert, flood-prone, and densely forested areas.

In recognition of its essential role in national security and development, the government has increased the BRO's budget from Rs 6,500 crore to Rs 7,146 crore in the Union Budget for 2025-26.