
By Bharat Global Time | May 23, 2025
India’s defense sector is undergoing a massive transformation, and the world is taking notice. With privatization unlocking fresh investment, innovation, and global partnerships, India is fast emerging as a formidable force in the global defense industry. At the heart of this shift stands Reliance Defence, among other private players, helping India pivot from a major arms importer to a rising defense powerhouse.
Privatization Powering the Atmanirbhar Dream
The Narendra Modi government’s push for a self-reliant India — Atmanirbhar Bharat — is now shaping the country’s defense strategy. By opening the doors to private companies, India is no longer just relying on state-owned giants like HAL or DRDO. Private firms are now building everything from warships and drones to advanced surveillance systems and missile parts.
“The defense sector was once heavily guarded. But now, we’re witnessing the power of competition and innovation. This is truly historic,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Defence.
Reliance Defence: From Pipavav to the World
Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has emerged as a major private player. With the massive Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat — one of the largest dry docks in the world — the company is now involved in manufacturing warships, patrol vessels, and even submarines.
The company’s collaborations with global defense majors like Dassault Aviation (France), Thales, and SAAB (Sweden) have brought cutting-edge technology and strategic depth to India’s indigenous defense production.
“In just a few years, we’ve gone from zero to becoming a critical player in India’s military-industrial complex,” a senior executive at Reliance Defence told Bharat Global Time.
Global Collaborations Fueling India’s Rise
Private players like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T Defence, and Mahindra Defence are also contributing by signing joint ventures with companies in Israel, Russia, France, and the United States. These partnerships are helping Indian firms co-develop systems and export them globally.
The result? India’s defense exports have seen an astonishing surge — from ₹1,940 crore in 2015 to over ₹16,000 crore in 2024. The country now exports to more than 85 nations.
Exporting More, Importing Less
India is shedding its image as the world’s largest arms importer. From bulletproof jackets and UAVs to advanced radar systems, private firms are exporting homegrown defense equipment like never before. And for the first time, India is becoming part of the global defense supply chain.
This is also reducing the burden on the national exchequer. “We’re not just saving foreign exchange, we’re earning it,” noted a defense economist.
A Culture of Innovation
Privatization has injected fresh energy into research and development. Initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) are supporting defense tech startups, with innovations in AI, space-based warfare, robotics, and cybersecurity gaining ground.
“Earlier, a single defense project would take decades. Now, private players are delivering on time, sometimes ahead of schedule,” said a DRDO scientist.
India’s Strategic Footprint Expands
As India strengthens its defense base at home, it is also asserting itself globally. The country is now part of key security alliances and regularly conducts joint military drills with the U.S., France, Japan, and Australia.
Experts say this is only the beginning