India Now 3rd Largest Arms Exporter to Europe: Defence Secretary RK Singh
Defence Secretary RK Singh reveals India is now the third-largest arms exporter to Europe, driven by the Rearm Europe initiative and a booming defence base.
In a significant shift in global military trade, India has rapidly ascended to become the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe. This surge is being driven by a combination of the "Rearm Europe" initiative and a massive expansion of India's own domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh revealed this milestone on Friday, noting that international market dynamics have shifted drastically in India's favour over the past year. According to a Bloomberg report cited by the Secretary, the demand for standard ammunition, artillery shells, and both large- and small-calibre ammunition has propelled India into this top-tier position.
A Diversified Defence Ecosystem
The growth is not accidental but the result of a strategic shift in how India builds its military hardware. Traditionally, the defence industrial base was limited to roughly 16 government-owned public sector companies. However, the landscape has now expanded to include a vast network of private players and innovators.
Secretary Singh highlighted the current scale of this ecosystem:
- Large and Medium Companies: Approximately 840 companies now hold industrial licenses.
- SMEs and Startups: Around 17,000 small and medium enterprises, including a strengthening startup ecosystem, are now contributing.
- Domestic Sales: The value of domestic sales has reached nearly 17 billion euros.
Record-Breaking Exports and Global Reach
India's military exports have hit an all-time high of 38,424 crores, which translates to approximately 3.6 billion euros. The country is no longer just a regional player but is now exporting defence products to more than 80 countries globally.
What is India Exporting?
While artillery and ammunition are the primary drivers for the European market, India's export portfolio is diverse. The shipments include:
- Heavy Hardware: Various gun systems and artillery.
- Tactical Gear: Bulletproof jackets and helmets.
- Small Arms: A wide range of small-calibre weaponry.
The Secretary noted that many of these contracts, particularly in Southeast Asia, are currently in public negotiations, showcasing the global appetite for Indian-made defence components.
The Path to Technological Sovereignty
To ensure long-term independence, the Indian government is prioritizing "IDDM"—Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured products. The goal is to ensure technological sovereignty by spending a significant portion of the annual capital expenditure within the country.
"We try to ensure that 75% of our capex every year, which is somewhere between 20 to 25 billion dollars, gets spent within the country," Secretary Singh stated.
Shifting Alliances and Reducing Dependence
Historically, India relied heavily on Russia as its primary defence supplier. While much of the current equipment remains of Russian origin, the Defence Secretary emphasized that this dependence has decreased as India diversifies its partnerships.
France and Israel have emerged as key partners, with France holding about 15% of the share of defence imports. Furthermore, India is expanding its strategic alignment with other nations; Secretary Singh mentioned recent visits to Greece and Cyprus, describing them as recent partners and strategic gateways for India.