Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s Rise in the Global Arms Market

India is making remarkable strides in the global arms market, driven by an ambitious push toward self-reliance and modernization. According to Russia Today, India’s transformation into a significant player in the defence sector marks a stark departure from its past dependence on imports, reflecting its growing strategic and technological capabilities.

A Modernizing Defence Industry

India’s defence sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, bolstered by the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). This initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to establish India as a global leader in defence manufacturing and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers. Rooted in the principles of indigenous development and economic independence, the concept mirrors India’s historical quest for self-sufficiency during its independence movement.

Recognizing the growing importance of advanced technologies and precision targeting in modern warfare, India is positioning itself as a hub for defence research, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions. The establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in 2019 exemplifies this strategy. These corridors aim to drive domestic production, boost exports, and create a robust ecosystem of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector.

Economic and Regional Impacts

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor is a cornerstone of this transformation. With investments extending to key districts like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra, this corridor not only enhances India’s manufacturing capacity but also addresses regional disparities. Uttar Pradesh, historically one of the country’s poorest states, is leveraging the initiative to boost its economy, create employment, and establish itself as a defence manufacturing hub. The initiative is expected to generate around 5,000 small and vendor companies, unlocking new opportunities in a state whose population surpasses that of many countries in Europe.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, a manufacturing powerhouse, provides an existing industrial ecosystem and infrastructure, making it a strategic location for defence production. Together, these corridors aim to achieve a production target of $250 billion by 2025, positioning India as a formidable player in the global defence market.

Government Support and Strategic Vision

India has steadily increased its defence budget as a share of GDP, with the 2024-25 allocation reaching ₹6.21 trillion ($75 billion)—an increase of 4.78% over the previous year. This reflects a strong commitment to fostering innovation, indigenisation, and technological advancements in the aerospace and defence sectors.

The government has also prioritized initiatives like the Make in India campaign to attract foreign and domestic investment in defence manufacturing. Events such as the 2020 Defence Expo in Lucknow have showcased India’s potential, drawing global attention and fostering collaborations.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

India’s defence advancements also extend to international collaborations. The inclusion of Russian warships into India’s Navy underscores the deepening ties between the two nations and highlights India’s increasing capabilities to integrate and operate cutting-edge technology.

India’s ambitious drive toward defence self-reliance is reshaping its role on the global stage. With the right mix of government policy, technological innovation, and industrial development, India is not only bolstering its national security but also emerging as a pivotal player in the global defence ecosystem. As the country navigates this transformation, it is poised to redefine its position as a major exporter and a hub for advanced defence solutions.