January 13, 2025: India has achieved a significant milestone by securing a position among the top 25 global arms exporters, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced during the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. In her address, Sitharaman highlighted the nation's remarkable transformation from being the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2015 and 2019 to becoming a significant arms exporter.

The minister emphasized the role of over 100 Indian companies that have been actively exporting advanced defence products, including BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and Dornier aircraft. She attributed this success to robust policy initiatives and focused investments under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which have driven the country toward self-reliance in defence production.

India's indigenous defence production has reached unprecedented levels, with a record-breaking ₹1.27 lakh crore achieved in the financial year 2023-24. This marks a significant growth compared to ₹49,000 crore in 2014-15. Additionally, defence exports have soared to ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, a 30-fold increase from ₹686 crore recorded in 2013-14. Sitharaman described this transformation as a matter of national pride, reflecting India's emergence as a net exporter of defence components.

The minister also stressed the critical role of maritime trade and coastal security in ensuring national security. She praised Rashtriya Raksha University for its contributions to training coastal security forces and highlighted the significance of India's growing port infrastructure. Noting that over 80% of global goods trade is conducted via ships, Sitharaman revealed that India's port capacity has doubled in the last decade, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure.

Sitharaman concluded by reaffirming the government's focus on advancing indigenous defence capabilities and fostering India's position as a global defence manufacturing hub. She expressed confidence that this upward trajectory in defence production and exports would bolster India's strategic autonomy and economic growth, marking a new era of self-reliance and global recognition for the country.