Defence Sector Under PM Narendra Modi: 'Import-Dependent To 12X Surge In Exports'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 10 reflected on the sweeping changes in India’s defence sector over the past 11 years, highlighting a decade of modernisation, indigenous production and a growing global footprint.

Sharing a post by MyGovIndia on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister remarked, “The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self-reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti”

A detailed infographic released by the Ministry of Defence on social media echoed this sentiment, showcasing how India’s defence landscape has significantly transformed under the Modi government. Titled 'Advancing India’s National Security and Defence', it captures key milestones in defence manufacturing, exports, internal security and women's representation in the armed forces.

“Over the past 11 years, under PM @narendramodi’s visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by #AatmanirbharBharat & #MakeInIndia,” the Ministry of Defence shared on X.

One of the remarkable achievements is the exponential rise in defence exports, which have grown 12 times to Rs 23,662 crore in financial year 2024-25. There has also been a 174% surge in overall defence production since 2014, with total value reaching Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2025 — a clear indication of the government’s push for Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, the post said.

The landmark $375 million BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines was highlighted as a symbol of India’s technological and strategic capabilities, the post further stated. Meanwhile, the infographic indicates Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have attracted investments totalling over Rs 50,000 crore.

The transformation isn’t just economic. The infographic outlines the government’s success in improving security and stability across traditionally troubled regions. In Jammu and Kashmir, there has reportedly been a 100% drop in incidents of stone-pelting. Similarly, the infographic states that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw an impressive 63% voter turnout across three phases.

In the Northeast, over 12 peace accords have been signed in 11 years, leading to the surrender of more than 10,000 militants. The infographic showed that violence linked to left wing extremism also saw a sharp 65% decline.

The role of women in the defence forces has also seen a significant push. More than 500 women officers have been granted permanent commissions across the armed forces. The country’s first all-girls Sainik School now trains “870 future women leaders,” and the National Defence Academy (NDA) has inducted four batches of female cadets since 2024. Their growing visibility was exemplified in the 2024 Republic Day Parade, where women officers played a prominent role.

The infographic also recalled major national security operations, such as the 2016 surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Uri attack, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes after the Pulwama attack. These, it claimed, reflect Prime Minister Modi’s “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism, now seen as the “new normal” after Operation Sindoor.

As PM Modi noted in his X post, the Defence Ministry’s summary reflects a significant shift — from cutting back on import reliance to emerging as a confident and influential player in the defence sector globally.