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India's Defence Strategy Shifts: From Import Dependence to Self-Reliance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

India, once the world's largest importer of defence equipment, has significantly reduced its dependence on arms imports over the last decade. This drastic shift in defence strategy is attributed to the 'Make in India' initiative, which has enabled the country to manufacture its own defence equipment, reducing imports by 77% since 2010. According to Kotak Mutual Fund, India's defence import share of global defence equipment import has declined from 11% in 2010 to 4% in 2024, making it the 4th largest importer, alongside countries like South Korea, Qatar, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

Key Takeaways:

  • India's defence import dependence has reduced by 77% over the last decade, with the country shifting from being the world's largest importer in 2010 to the 4th largest importer in 2024.
  • The 'Make in India' initiative has enabled India to manufacture its own defence equipment, resulting in a significant decline in imports.
  • Defence exports in India have recorded a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 41% since 2017, with exports increasing from Rs 1,500 crore in 2017 to Rs 23,600 crore in 2024.
  • Ukraine tops the list of global arms importers, accounting for 18% of global defence imports, followed by Pakistan at 9%, and Australia at 6%.
  • India's defence industry is increasingly becoming self-dependent, with the country's defence import share declining from 11% in 2010 to 4% in 2024.
  • Poland has climbed to the second position after Ukraine, with 5% of the global arms import.

Statistics:

  • India's defence import share of global defence equipment import has declined from 11% in 2010 to 4% in 2024.
  • Ukraine accounts for 18% of global defence imports.
  • Pakistan's defence import share is 9% of the global arms import.
  • Australia's defence import share is 6% of the global arms import.
  • India's defence exports have grown by 41% since 2017, increasing from Rs 1,500 crore in 2017 to Rs 23,600 crore in 2024.

Sources:

  • Kotak Mutual Fund
  • DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
  • Contify.com

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