**India’s Defence Production Hits Record High in FY 2024-25**
India’s Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday that the country’s defence production has reached an unprecedented Rs 1,50,590 crore for the financial year 2024-25. This figure represents an 18% increase from the Rs 1.27 lakh crore recorded in the previous fiscal year, 2023-24, and a remarkable 90% rise compared to Rs 79,071 crore in 2019-20.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed this significant growth to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Defence Production, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units, and the private industry. He emphasized that this upward trend reflects the strengthening of India’s defence industrial base.
In terms of contributions, Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other public sector entities accounted for approximately 77% of the total output, while the private sector contributed 23%. Notably, the private sector’s share has increased from 21% in the previous fiscal year, indicating a gradual enhancement of its role within the defence manufacturing ecosystem. Year-on-year growth was observed across both segments: public sector production rose by 16%, while private sector production surged by 28% in FY 2024-25.
The government credits this rise in defence production to various policy reforms, initiatives aimed at easing the business environment, and a strong focus on indigenisation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This initiative is designed to reduce reliance on imports and enhance defence exports.
In addition to production, defence exports also reached a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, marking a 12.04% increase from the previous year’s figure of Rs 21,083 crore. Officials are optimistic that India’s defence sector will continue to maintain this growth momentum, bolstered by ongoing reforms, increased private sector participation, and expanding export opportunities.
**FAQ**
*What factors contributed to the increase in India’s defence production?*
The increase in India’s defence production can be attributed to collaborative efforts among various sectors, policy reforms, initiatives to ease business operations, and a focus on indigenisation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
