India has firmly established itself as a major player in the global defense export arena. India’s once import-dependent defense sector is undergoing a transformation and emerging as a strong domestic industry powered by innovation, partnerships, and shifting global supply chain priorities. The contrast with China is particularly noteworthy. China’s long-standing dominance in Asia and Africa is being challenged, undermined by reliability issues in its defense platforms and mounting geopolitical distrust.
India’s defense exports reached a record high of ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, a 34-fold increase from FY 2013-14, when they were only ₹686 crore. The notable augmentation comes as a result of India’s commitment to up the ante in its defense production, faster export clearance processes, and a renewed push for indigenization. India now sells military equipment to more than 90 countries, such as Egypt, Armenia, and the Philippines. These exports include radar systems, naval platforms, UAVs, armored vehicles, and artillery shells which have successfully outperformed Chinese counterparts in securing international defense contracts.
Earlier this year, during “Operation Sindoor,” India sent a clear message to its adversaries, including Pakistan. The Indian forces took part in this secret high-altitude exercise using only Indian-made systems, such as BrahMos cruise missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and surveillance drones from private companies like IdeaForge. Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, the former head of DRDO was quoted saying that these weapons “significantly outperformed” Chinese systems that enemies like Pakistan use.
Several countries across Asia and Africa – most notably Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan – once viewed Chinese weapons as affordable alternatives to Western weapons. However, these weapons are being increasingly criticized for inadequate after-sales support, inconsistent performance in difficult terrains, and limited options for customization. Both Algeria and Myanmar have struggled with the upkeep of Chinese-made aircraft and armored vehicles, citing problems with repairs and the timely availability of spare parts. In its 2023 report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that China’s arms exports had dropped by 23% between 2018 and 2022, making it the smallest share of the global arms market in a decade.
India’s comparative advantage is not just a result of government policy, but also the growing collaboration with a dynamic private defense ecosystem. The private sector has also become a key part with some Indian companies like Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, and Tonbo Imaging that now make parts and platforms that meet NATO standards. As a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India has established two defense industrial corridors – one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. Equipped with testing ranges, design labs, and incentives for R&D, these corridors have become hubs of innovation. In addition, these newly opened corridors have attracted significant domestic investment and interest from international companies looking to collaborate with Indian manufacturers.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in India, which was approved in early 2024, is another demonstration of the country’s growing military power. The AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth fighter with state-of-the-art avionics. It will be made entirely in India, and the engine will be developed in collaboration with the DRDO and HAL. The objective of this collaboration is to modernize the Indian Air Force and establish India’s credibility as one of the few countries that can build and export fifth-generation fighter jets. Even with its advanced capabilities, China’s J-20 fighter has struggled to gain traction in international markets with ongoing challenges in converting domestic defense achievements into global market success.
A joint venture between India and Russia – the BrahMos missile has been a notable success in India’s defense export story. BrahMos has already been delivered to the Philippines, thanks to its supersonic speed and high-precision strike capabilities. Many countries have long turned to China for defense supplies. But BrahMos is winning the attention game as a result of its reliable training, after-sales support, and the confidence of a politically stable partner. India is quietly building a reputation for itself as a defense supplier that doesn’t come with strings attached.
This change has effects that go far beyond export/income. This makes India’s diplomatic position stronger, letting it offer its emerging strength in defense as part of bigger strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. India’s focus on co-development and joint production has an enormous potential to put itself as a good partner for countries that are committed to building their capabilities. This is different from China’s more transactional approach.
India also sets itself apart by listening closely to those who matter most – its soldiers on the ground. Several key Indian defense systems have been shaped by direct input from troops stationed in some of the world’s toughest terrains – ranging from the icy heights of Ladakh to the scorching deserts of Rajasthan. A strong example is L&T’s K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery, built under license and later customized specifically to meet operational demands in such extreme conditions. After it was first used, it was customized for Indian terrain, which Chinese OEMs rarely do.
India’s growing presence in the global drone and cybersecurity space signals a shift beyond traditional defense platforms. Companies like NewSpace Research & Technologies, along with emerging players in Hyderabad’s tech ecosystem, are now exporting tactical drones, AI-driven surveillance tools, and advanced encryption systems – technologies increasingly in demand for homeland security and disaster response. In contrast, Chinese offerings in these sectors are facing international skepticism due to concerns over data privacy and surveillance ethics.
India’s partnership with France on jet engine technology, the opening of FDI limits in defense to 74% under the automatic route, and the signing of mutual logistics support agreements with more than 15 countries reflect India’s ambition to emerge as a global defense hub in the long term. India is creating the environment needed to keep this momentum by holding more international defense expos and setting up export promotion agencies.
India is becoming an influencer in defense. As countries rethink their strategic dependencies and look for trustworthy partners, New Delhi’s offer stands out with competitive prices, proven technology, customization, and political neutrality.
