India’s push for self-reliance in defence has entered a new phase, with indigenous manufacturing and exports posting their highest figures so far. Defence production reached ₹1,27,434 crore in 2023-24 — a sharp jump from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15 — driven by a decade of reforms aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening local industry. The steady rise in the defence budget, which now stands at ₹6.81 lakh crore for 2025-26 compared to ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14, reflects the government’s long-term strategy of building a technologically advanced and globally competitive military ecosystem.

The formation of seven new defence companies from the erstwhile Ordnance Factories, DRDO’s innovation grants, and the active participation of more than 16,000 MSMEs have further diversified the

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