**India’s Defense Production Surges Amid Make in India Initiatives**
India's defense production has seen a significant increase in the financial year that ended in March, driven by the government's Make in India initiative aimed at bolstering the country's defense industrial base. According to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, defense production surged by 15% in the financial year 2025-26, reaching a total of $21 billion, up from $18 billion the previous year.
The Indian government has been actively working to reduce its dependence on foreign arms imports while simultaneously developing indigenous capabilities across various sectors, including land, air, naval, missile, and space. This strategic shift has led to the successful indigenization of thousands of military items, which has not only decreased import reliance but has also enhanced the country's defense exports.
A notable achievement highlighted by Singh is the increase in domestic ammunition production, which has risen dramatically from 32% in 2014 to an impressive 90% in 2026. This shift reflects India's commitment to enhancing its self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
Despite these advancements, India remains the world's second-largest importer of major arms, as it seeks to quickly address capability gaps. Key suppliers to India include Russia, France, and Israel, which continue to play a vital role in meeting the country's defense needs.
Singh emphasized the remarkable growth in defense production over the years, noting that the FY26 production figure marks a substantial increase from $8.94 billion recorded in 2020-21 and a staggering 110% rise from $4.62 billion in 2013-14. He attributed this progress to the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production and various stakeholders involved in the defense ecosystem.
The growth of India's defense sector is supported by nine public sector undertakings and over 430 licensed private defense companies, alongside thousands of medium and small enterprises that contribute to the overall manufacturing landscape. This collaborative effort is essential for sustaining the momentum of defense production in the country.
In terms of military expenditure, India ranks as the fifth-largest spender globally, with a reported military budget of $92.1 billion in 2025, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. For the current financial year, the Indian government has allocated $82.9 billion for defense, which constitutes 15% of the total federal budget. Of this amount, $14.7 billion is specifically earmarked for procurement from domestic defense industries, aligning with the Make in India initiative.
As India continues to enhance its defense capabilities and expand its production capacity, the focus remains on achieving greater self-reliance while ensuring that the country is well-equipped to address both current and future security challenges. The ongoing efforts under the Make in India program are expected to further strengthen India's position in the global defense landscape.