Bangladesh, Sept. 9 -- For decades, India was better known as one of the worlds largest importers of military hardware than as a serious arms exporter. That image is now beginning to change. From BrahMos missiles and Akash air-defense systems to drones, radars, artillery, naval vessels and sophisticated aerospace components, India is steadily building a defense-export industry that could reshape its position in the global arms market.

The numbers alone suggest that something significant is happening. Indias defense production reportedly reached about $18.6 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, while defense exports surged 63 percent to $4.6 billion. More importantly, the composition of those exports is changing. India is moving beyond protecti...