India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, marking a significant milestone with implications for economic and industrial growth across cities like Guwahati.
The announcement was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 2, highlighting a strong upward trend in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, registering over 62% growth. The surge reflects rising global demand for Indian defence products and could create indirect opportunities for industries and the skilled workforce in regions like Guwahati.
Strong Growth in the Defence Sector
According to official data:
- Total exports: ₹38,424 crore
- Growth: 62.66% year-on-year
- Increase: ₹14,802 crore over the previous fiscal
This growth reflects increasing global confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Contribution from Public and Private Sectors
The defence export ecosystem saw contributions from both government and private players:
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): 54.84% share
- Private sector: 45.16% share
DPSUs recorded a sharp 151% growth, while the private sector saw a steady 14% increase.
Rising Trend Over the Years
India’s defence exports have shown consistent growth:
- FY 2023–24: ₹21,083 crore
- FY 2024–25: ₹23,622 crore
- FY 2025–26: ₹38,424 crore
This upward trend highlights the impact of policy reforms and the focus on self-reliance.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
While Guwahati is not a direct defence manufacturing hub, the growth has broader implications:
- Increased demand for a skilled workforce in engineering and logistics
- Opportunities for MSMEs in supply chains
- Boost to infrastructure and connectivity in Northeast India
With Guwahati emerging as a regional business hub, such national growth trends can create indirect economic benefits.
Push for Self-Reliance
The surge in exports is aligned with India’s focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance), promoting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports.
The government has been encouraging both public and private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
What Happens Next
With continued growth, India is expected to further expand its presence in global defence markets.
For cities like Guwahati, this could translate into new opportunities in related industries, logistics, and skill development in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much did India earn from defence exports in FY 2025–26?
India recorded defence exports worth ₹38,424 crore, the highest ever.
2. How does this impact Guwahati?
While indirect, it can create opportunities in supply chains, jobs, and regional economic growth.