Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

1. Introduction

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence refers to India’s vision of achieving self-reliance in the design, development, production, and export of defence equipment and technologies, thereby reducing dependence on foreign imports. It aims to build a robust indigenous defence industrial ecosystem involving DRDO, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and academia.

India has traditionally been one of the world’s largest importers of defence equipment, making it vulnerable to supply-chain disruptions, sanctions, and geopolitical uncertainties. Recent conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine War and tensions in the Indo-Pacific have reinforced the need for indigenous defence capabilities to ensure uninterrupted military preparedness and strategic autonomy.

The Government of India has therefore placed defence manufacturing at the core of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020, with a focus on ‘Make in India’, technology innovation, and export promotion. The objective is not merely import substitution but to transform India into a global hub for defence manufacturing and exports. This approach has accelerated Defence indigenisation in India and strengthened the foundation for Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

• Strengthens National Security: Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers during wars, geopolitical crises, or sanctions.
• Enhances Strategic Autonomy: Enables India to take independent defence and foreign policy decisions without external pressure.
• Boosts Economic Growth: Promotes domestic manufacturing, generates employment, and strengthens the defence industrial ecosystem.
• Encourages Technological Innovation: Accelerates indigenous R&D in advanced technologies such as AI, drones, electronic warfare, cyber security, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.
• Promotes Defence Exports: Positions India as a reliable supplier of cost-effective defence equipment and provides a foundation for increasing Defence exports from India.

The overall objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence is therefore to combine national security, technological innovation, industrial development, and export capability to create a strong and sustainable indigenous defence sector.

2. Major Government Initiatives for Defence Indigenisation

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020

The DAP 2020 gives the highest priority to procurement under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured), ensuring preference for domestically produced defence equipment. It also promotes the Make-I, Make-II, and Strategic Partnership (SP) models to encourage indigenous design, technology transfer, and private sector participation. These measures have become important instruments of Defence indigenisation in India and support Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs)

The Ministry of Defence has notified Positive Indigenisation Lists, placing a phased ban on the import of thousands of defence items, including weapons, platforms, sub-systems, and components, thereby mandating their procurement from Indian manufacturers. These lists now cover more than 5,500 defence items, accelerating domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence.

The Positive Indigenisation Lists directly support Indigenous defence production by creating assured demand for Indian manufacturers and encouraging the development of domestic capabilities.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Launched in 2018, iDEX promotes innovation by supporting start-ups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and academic institutions to develop cutting-edge defence technologies such as AI, drones, robotics, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and space technologies. It has emerged as a key driver of India’s defence innovation ecosystem.

Through innovation-led development, iDEX strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and creates opportunities for Indigenous defence production by involving new technology developers and private-sector innovators.

Defence Industrial Corridors

To create a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Government has established two Defence Industrial Corridors in India:

• Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor — Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Chitrakoot
• Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor — Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem and Tiruchirappalli

These corridors aim to attract investment, strengthen supply chains, generate employment, and promote indigenous manufacturing. They are important pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and contribute to Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

SRIJAN Portal and Ordnance Factory Reforms

The SRIJAN Portal (2020) provides a digital platform for DPSUs and the Armed Forces to list imported items that can be manufactured domestically. By 2025, over 14,000 items had already been indigenised. Additionally, in 2021, the Government corporatised the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and accountability in defence production.

These reforms strengthen Defence indigenisation in India by promoting domestic manufacturing and improving the efficiency of India’s defence production institutions.

Liberalised FDI Policy and Industry Participation

The Government has liberalised Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence to 74% under the automatic route and up to 100% through the government route in cases involving access to modern technology. Simultaneously, 25% of the defence R&D budget has been earmarked for industry-led research, encouraging greater participation of private companies, MSMEs, and start-ups in indigenous defence development.

Greater private-sector participation, technology access, and industry-led R&D are essential for achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and building a competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem.

3. Achievements of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress in defence indigenisation through policy reforms, technological innovation, and greater participation of the private sector. The achievements indicate a gradual transition from an import-dependent defence market to an emerging defence manufacturing and export hub. Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence has therefore become an important pillar of India’s efforts towards strategic autonomy and Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Record Growth in Defence Production

• India’s defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, compared to ₹46,429 crore in 2014–15, reflecting over a three-fold increase in a decade.
• The Government has set an ambitious target of ₹3 lakh crore defence production by 2029.

This growth demonstrates the progress of Indigenous defence production and the expanding capabilities of India’s domestic defence industry.

Rapid Increase in Defence Exports

• Defence exports touched a record ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, registering a 12% annual growth and a 34-fold increase compared to ₹686 crore in 2013–14.
• India now exports defence equipment to around 80 countries, including the Philippines, Armenia, Vietnam, Mauritius, Egypt, and the United States.

The rapid growth of Defence exports from India indicates increasing global confidence in Indian defence products and strengthens India’s position as an emerging defence manufacturing hub.

Indigenous Defence Platforms

India has successfully developed and inducted several world-class indigenous defence systems, including:

• LCA Tejas – Indigenous 4.5-generation light combat aircraft.
• INS Vikrant – India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
• Akash air defence missile system.
• Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher.
• ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System).
• Prachand Light Combat Helicopter.
• Dhanush artillery gun and Arjun Mk-1A main battle tank.
• Indigenous warships such as Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates.

These platforms have significantly reduced dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthened India’s defence capabilities, providing a strong foundation for Defence indigenisation in India and Indigenous defence production.

Greater Participation of Private Sector and Start-ups

• More than 16,000 MSMEs are now part of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, supplying components, sub-systems, and advanced technologies.
• Through iDEX, hundreds of start-ups are developing technologies in AI, drones, robotics, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity, fostering innovation in the defence sector.

Greater private-sector participation has strengthened the domestic industrial base and supports Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Increased Domestic Procurement

• In FY 2024–25, the Ministry of Defence signed a record 193 procurement contracts worth ₹2.09 lakh crore, of which 177 contracts (worth ₹1.69 lakh crore) were awarded to Indian companies, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to indigenous manufacturing.

Such procurement policies create assured demand for domestic manufacturers and accelerate Defence indigenisation in India.

Operational Validation and Global Recognition

• Indigenous systems such as BrahMos, Akash, Pinaka, and DRDO-developed drones have demonstrated high operational effectiveness during recent military deployments and exercises, enhancing international confidence in Indian defence products.
• Their successful performance has strengthened India’s reputation as a reliable and cost-effective defence exporter, leading to growing global demand for indigenous military equipment.

The combination of operational validation, growing production, and rising exports demonstrates the progress of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and strengthens India’s prospects in the global defence market.

4. Strategic Importance of Defence Self-Reliance

Strengthens National Security

A strong indigenous defence industry ensures uninterrupted availability of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment during wars and emergencies. Dependence on foreign suppliers can delay military preparedness due to sanctions, export restrictions, or supply-chain disruptions.

Example: During the Russia–Ukraine War, several countries faced delays in the supply of defence equipment because of disrupted global production and logistics, highlighting the importance of domestic manufacturing.

Ensures Strategic Autonomy

Self-reliance in defence manufacturing enables India to make independent strategic and foreign policy decisions without external pressure from supplier nations. Indigenous capability reduces vulnerability to embargoes and geopolitical uncertainties.

Example: Following the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, India faced international sanctions that affected access to defence technologies. This experience accelerated indigenous programmes such as BrahMos, Akash, Arihant-class submarines, and LCA Tejas.

Boosts Economic Growth and Employment

The defence sector has significant multiplier effects by promoting manufacturing, innovation, exports, and employment. It creates opportunities for MSMEs, start-ups, and private industries, strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem.

Example: The Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridors have attracted investments worth thousands of crores and are generating employment while developing regional defence manufacturing clusters.

Promotes Technological Innovation

Defence research drives the development of advanced technologies that also benefit civilian sectors. Investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, robotics, semiconductors, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and space technologies improve India’s overall technological competitiveness.

Example: DRDO-developed technologies have contributed to indigenous systems such as the Akash missile system, ATAGS artillery gun, anti-drone systems, and advanced electronic warfare platforms, while also encouraging innovation through the iDEX programme.

Enhances Defence Diplomacy and Global Standing

Defence exports strengthen India’s strategic partnerships, improve regional security cooperation, and expand its geopolitical influence. Indigenous defence products also support India’s vision of becoming a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

Example: India has exported BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, supplied Akash missile systems to Armenia, and exported patrol vessels, radars, and defence equipment to countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean Region.

Improves Operational Readiness in Modern Warfare

Modern warfare requires rapid maintenance, upgrades, and replenishment of weapons and equipment. Indigenous production ensures faster repairs, continuous supply of spare parts, and customisation according to operational requirements.

Example: During Operation Sindoor (2025), India reportedly demonstrated the operational value of indigenous defence systems—including Akash air defence systems, electronic warfare platforms, and domestically developed drones—highlighting the advantages of self-reliance in sustaining military operations.

5. Challenges and Way Forward

Challenges

Despite remarkable progress, India continues to face several challenges in achieving complete self-reliance in defence:

• Dependence on Critical Technologies: India still relies on imports for aero-engines, semiconductor chips, advanced sensors, jet engines, and propulsion systems.
• Low Investment in Defence R&D: India’s defence research expenditure remains modest compared to major military powers, affecting the development of next-generation technologies.
• Technology Transfer Constraints: Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are often reluctant to transfer cutting-edge defence technologies.
• Delays in Procurement and Production: Lengthy testing, procurement procedures, and production delays affect timely induction of indigenous systems into the Armed Forces.
• Limited Global Competitiveness: Indian defence products face stiff competition from established exporters such as the United States, Russia, France, China, and Israel in the international market.
• Supply Chain and Skilled Manpower Gaps: Dependence on imported components and shortages of highly skilled professionals in niche technologies remain significant challenges.

Way Forward

To realise the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and position India as a global defence manufacturing hub, the following measures are essential:

• Increase Investment in Defence R&D, particularly in AI, quantum technologies, hypersonic weapons, cyber security, electronic warfare, advanced materials, and semiconductors.
• Strengthen collaboration among DRDO, DPSUs, private industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions to accelerate innovation.
• Develop indigenous critical technologies, especially aero-engines, gas turbines, advanced electronics, and propulsion systems, to reduce import dependence.
• Simplify procurement procedures and encourage faster testing, certification, and induction of indigenous defence equipment.
• Promote defence exports through government support, strategic partnerships, and participation in global defence exhibitions and supply chains.
• Build a skilled defence manufacturing workforce through specialised training, industry-academia partnerships, and Centres of Excellence in emerging defence technologies.

Together, these measures can deepen Defence indigenisation in India, strengthen Self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and enable India to emerge as a globally competitive defence manufacturing and export hub.

5. Conclusion

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence has emerged as a key pillar of India’s national security and strategic autonomy. By promoting Defence indigenisation in India, indigenous research, domestic manufacturing, and defence exports, India is gradually reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers. Initiatives such as DAP 2020, Positive Indigenisation Lists, iDEX, SRIJAN, and Defence Industrial Corridors in India have created a stronger foundation for Self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The growth of Indigenous defence production and Defence exports from India, along with increasing participation of MSMEs, start-ups, and private industries, demonstrates India’s emerging capabilities as a global defence manufacturing hub. With sustained investment in critical technologies, R&D, skilled manpower, and innovation, Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence can strengthen national security, enhance strategic autonomy, and establish India as a reliable global defence producer and exporter.

BPSC Mains Practice Question

“Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence is essential for India’s strategic autonomy and national security.” Discuss the major initiatives and achievements of India’s defence indigenisation programme. What are the key challenges to achieving complete self-reliance in defence manufacturing?

Learn More About Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

For official information on Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence, defence indigenisation, domestic defence production, procurement policies, and defence exports, visit the Ministry of Defence, Government of India official website: Ministry of Defence – Government of India