New Delhi, April 10 -- India's steady transition from one of the world's largest arms importers to an emerging defence exporter marks a significant structural shift in its strategic and economic trajectory. For decades, India's defence preparedness depended heavily on foreign suppliers, creating vulnerabilities in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Today, however, the rapid rise in defence exports, coupled with expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, signals a new phase in India's global engagement-one that blends strategic autonomy with economic ambition.

The latest data underscores the scale of this transformation. India's defence exports reached an unprecedented Rs.38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, registering a remarkable year-on-ye...