After a short war with Pakistan in May 2025, India is now focusing on selling its homemade weapons and defence equipment to other countries, and this move, which is a part of the "Make in India" plan, aims to boost the Indian defence industry and turn India from a major arms importer into a global defence exporter.
Clash-Driven Confidence: India Plans Export Push by 2029
Just two months after a serious four-day military clash with Pakistan, India is now focusing on selling its homemade defence products to other countries.
This move is part of the “Make in India” initiative, which aims to strengthen Indian manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
India wants to export a wide range of products—from mobile phones to missiles. A big part of this push is focused on defence equipment, especially after Indian-made weapons performed well during Operation Sindoor, the mission carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
The missiles used in that operation, like the BrahMos, caused major damage to Pakistan’s military bases. This success has created international interest in Indian defence products.
One of the major highlights of Operation Sindoor was the use of advanced Indian drones.
A drone startup called Raphe mPhibr, which raised $100 million in June, is now getting global attention for its mR10 and mR10-IC drones, which are capable of swarm attacks and vertical take-off.
The company’s CEO, Vivek Mishra, told the Financial Times that foreign buyers are interested because Indian forces used these drones in harsh battlefield conditions and were happy with their performance. This real-world success acts as a “stamp of approval” for foreign militaries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the global demand for Indian weapons has increased significantly after Operation Sindoor.
He said, "The bravery shown by our forces and the success of our home-grown systems have impressed the world."
India now aims to more than double its defence exports to reach ₹500 billion (about $5.8 billion) by 2029. In the last financial year alone, India exported ₹236 billion worth of defence products.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised India’s indigenous defence industry. At a May event in Kanpur, a major defence manufacturing hub, he said, “The world saw the power of Indian-made weapons in Operation Sindoor.
Our BrahMos missiles and other arms caused serious damage deep inside enemy territory.”
PM Modi first opened India’s defence industry to private companies back in 2014, which has helped new startups enter the market alongside older state-run firms.
India has already started making deals with foreign countries. Some major exports include:
BrahMos Missiles: Sold to the Philippines in 2022 for $375 million. Now talks are on with Vietnam and Indonesia.
Akash Air Defence System and artillery guns: India is planning to sell these to friendly countries.
Swathi Weapon-Locating Radars: Four units were sold to Armenia for around $40 million.
Pinaka Rocket Systems and more Akash systems: Also bought by Armenia, bringing total purchases to about $60 million.
India has always been one of the largest arms importers in the world, buying weapons from countries like the U.S., France, Russia, and Israel. But now, India wants to become a global supplier instead of just a buyer.
Exporting weapons is also important because India’s own military has a limited budget to buy large quantities. By selling abroad, Indian defence companies can earn more, grow faster, and invest in better technology.
Defence groups across the country are feeling hopeful as interest in Indian arms grows around the world.
