‘To make India a global leader in defence production, focus should be India first’: Sanjeev Kumar
Defence Secretary Sanjeev Kumar speaks at THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025 in New Delhi | Sanjay AhlawatAt THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, emphasised on the progress made under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to achieve self-reliance in defence production. He underscored the government’s commitment to reducing import dependency and fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Kumar was speaking on the topic: "India’s Defence Export Potential".
“We are in the phase of making India with some export, but some export is growing very well as numbers suggest it's a very healthy growth and this growth is getting widened it is also number of exporters are increasing this year,” he said.
Kumar highlighted how India’s growing defence export ecosystem has seen exports rise from Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago to Rs 24,000 crore in 2023-24.
“We can say that we are making for the world, but let’s reserve that for now. Let's concentrate on Make in India for our armed forces first and also continue to have some part in the export market which is growing. It was made possible by first believing in our industry here within the country,” he added.
Stressing on the entry of private companies in defence production, Kumar said, “The entry of private players, including startups and MSMEs, has energised the sector, with over 600 startups now contributing to defence innovation.”
Kumar in his special address also explained the importance of quality assurance, cost competitiveness, and adherence to international standards to position India as a reliable defence exporter.
He emphasised the role of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework in fostering cutting-edge technologies and integrating young innovators into the defence ecosystem.
He also spoke about the expansion of the role of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private firms in global supply chains.
Kumar also stressed that for India to do good in defence production, we need to give long-term orders so that startups can function well.
He underscored the need for an inclusive industrial ecosystem where startups and private sector entrepreneurs can contribute disruptive technologies. This approach seeks to reduce barriers for new players and technologies, making the defence industrial ecosystem adaptive and responsive to the changing nature of warfare.
The conclave, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, featured discussions on self-reliance, technological innovation, and India’s role as a global defence exporter.
Defence