New Delhi, April 3 -- India's defence exports surged to a record Rs.38,424 crore in 2025-26, marking a 63% increase over the previous year, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. The ballast was provided by defence public sector undertakings, whose outbound shipments saw an impressive 151% increase to Rs.21,071 crore. Defence exports by the private sector recorded a relatively modest 14% rise to Rs.17,353 crore.

Overall, it's an encouraging picture. India has mostly been an importer of defence equipment, but is now helping others arm up with its own products. While all foreign currency earnings are useful, as external demand grows for Indian armaments, the strategic dimension of this business will assume importance.

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