India to become biggest arms exporter in 25-30 years, private sector to play crucial role: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India could emerge as the world’s largest arms exporter in the next 25-30 years, stressing that private sector participation will be key to boosting defence production.

Maharashtra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India is moving steadily towards becoming one of the world’s leading defence exporters and could emerge as the biggest arms exporter within the next 25 to 30 years.

He made the remarks while inaugurating an ammunition manufacturing unit in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India can become the world’s biggest arms exporter in the next 25-30 years. He stressed that the private sector will play a major role in boosting defence production and advanced weapons manufacturing.#RajnathSingh #DefenceIndia #ArmsExport pic.twitter.com/PnVx8CUMod

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) May 23, 2026

Focus on Expanding Private Sector Role

Speaking at the event, Singh said the government aims to increase private sector participation in defence production to 50 per cent. He stressed that collaboration between government vision and private industry innovation is essential for strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Operation Sindoor Echoes Globally: Rajnath Singh Sends Strong ‘No Tolerance for Terrorism’ Message at SCO Meet

According to the minister, the role of private companies has evolved significantly in recent years. He said the private sector is no longer limited to supplying basic components but is now actively involved in developing advanced and modern weapon systems.

Push for Defence Self-Reliance

Singh highlighted the government’s broader push towards defence self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing under the vision of strengthening India’s strategic capabilities.

He said India was once largely known as a weapons importer, but the situation is changing rapidly due to increased domestic manufacturing capacity and technological advancement.

“All have to work together to make India a hub of munitions and automation,” Singh said during the event.

Rajnath Singh Meets Chinese Defence Minister: What Was Discussed on LAC Peace?

Defence Manufacturing Expansion

The inauguration of the ammunition manufacturing facility is being seen as part of the government’s efforts to encourage investment and infrastructure growth in the defence sector.

The Centre has been focusing on boosting indigenous production, increasing exports and encouraging greater private sector involvement to reduce dependence on imports while expanding India’s position in the global defence market.