Domestic defence production hits Rs 1.51 lakh crore, exports near Rs 24,000 crore: Rajnath

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said India’s domestic defence production has grown more than threefold in the last decade—from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore today—marking the country’s transformation from an arms importer to an emerging defence exporter.

Speaking at the inauguration of 125 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) infrastructure projects across two Union territories and seven states, completed at a combined cost of Rs 5,000 crore, Singh said defence exports had risen from less than Rs 1,000 crore ten years ago to nearly Rs 24,000 crore at present. “India is today witnessing a paradigm shift. There was a time when we lacked a solid system to manufacture arms and equipment. We were largely import-dependent. But due to sustained efforts over the last 10 years, we have made remarkable progress,” he said.

Officials said the newly completed infrastructure projects will significantly improve last-mile connectivity to remote villages as well as forward military locations, strengthening both national security and socio-economic development in border regions. Sunday’s ceremony was held along the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS–DBO) Road at the newly built Shyok Tunnel—one of the most strategic projects inaugurated by the Defence Minister. Singh also virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh.

Highlighting the BRO’s rising capacity, Singh noted that in the financial year 2024–25, the organisation incurred a record expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore, the highest in its history. A target of Rs 18,700 crore has been set for 2025–26. “BRO has emerged as a synonym for communication and connectivity,” he said, praising the organisation for completing complex projects “with speed, efficiency and indigenous solutions.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment to an Aatmanirbhar defence sector, Singh said the defence manufacturing ecosystem was now rapidly indigenising components, systems, and technologies. He cited the BRO’s adoption of Class-70 modular bridges—developed in partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers—as a major step forward. “These bridges, completely designed and manufactured in India, mark a significant milestone in engineering self-reliance. Their successful construction in several forward locations demonstrates how indigenous technology is transforming border infrastructure,” he said.

The Minister also referenced Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this year in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Everybody knows what befell those terrorists. We could have done much more, but our forces—showing courage and patience—did only what was necessary,” he said, adding that the success of the operation was made possible by efficient logistics and uninterrupted border connectivity. “Such a massive operation was possible because connectivity with border areas was maintained at all times,” Singh said.

He emphasised that border infrastructure is not only critical for national security but also for economic activity, tourism, employment and disaster management. “Robust infrastructure ensures military mobility, smooth transportation of logistics, increased tourism opportunities, and, most importantly, strengthens people’s faith in development, democracy and the government,” he said. Singh added that the government, the armed forces, and organisations like the BRO were working together for the holistic development of border regions so that their relationship with the national mainstream remains strong and is not influenced by any external factors.

Referring to India’s economic resilience amid global instability, Singh said the country’s GDP growth—registered at 8.2% in the second quarter of 2025–26—reflected the success of pro-growth policies and the hard work of citizens. “We are witnessing many wars and conflicts today. After Operation Sindoor, we too faced a major conflict. But despite these challenges, our economy continues to grow, and we continue to move forward,” he said.