Guns, Growth, and Geopolitics: The New Face of Bharatiya Exports

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 12th  November: Amid growing global instability and economic recalibrations, there’s one Bharatiya export quietly reshaping the nation’s strategic identity—weaponry. Little known to most, Bharat’s defence exports have surged to an impressive Rs 23,622 crore, a figure roughly equivalent to one‑fourth of the country’s annual health spending. Once perceived solely as a major arms importer, Bharat’s transformation into an emerging arms supplier marks a decisive shift in its geopolitical posture. What’s even more surprising is the list of buyers—nations like the United States and France, both global arms giants, and Armenia, a small but strategically significant state that now trusts Bharatiya firepower for its security.

The New Export Arsenal

According to a detailed study by the Society of Bharatiya Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Asia Group, Bharat has rapidly diversified its defence export portfolio. The world’s leading powers now turn to Bharat not for finished war machines, but for essential sub‑systems, components, software, and electronics—vital to global supply chains increasingly wary of geopolitical disruptions.

At the same time, countries such as Armenia have directly procured advanced Bharatiya systems: Akash air‑defence missiles, Pinaka multi‑barrel rocket launchers, and 155‑mm artillery guns. Bharat’s defence reach now extends to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Seychelles, where affordability and reliability set Bharatiya defence products apart. A single Bharatiya‑made 155‑mm shell costs about $300‑400, whereas its European equivalent is nearly ten times as expensive. This cost‑efficiency, paired with technological self‑reliance, makes Bharat’s defence trade both financially and diplomatically strategic.

Global Conflicts, Rising Opportunities

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have changed global defence economics. With supply chains disrupted and tensions high, demand for affordable and stable military solutions is soaring. European nations, bound by NATO’s two‑percent GDP defence spending rule, are ramping up arms procurement. Buyers are searching for dependable suppliers immune to sanctions, political swings, and logistical bottlenecks—and that’s where India steps in.

Bharat’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self‑reliant India) programme has cultivated a defence ecosystem built on endurance and innovation. While many Western industrial chains still depend on outsourced critical components, New Delhi is pushing to produce advanced technologies domestically with export potential. The world is taking notice.

Strategic Shifts in Asia and Africa

In regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, Bharat finds a ready market. Many nations there rely on outdated Soviet‑era weaponry and now face challenges due to Russia’s preoccupation with war. At the same time, they are cautious about turning to Western or Chinese arms for political reasons. Bharat offers an alternative—non‑aligned, technologically credible, and economically accessible.

From Tejas light combat aircraft and Dhruv advanced light helicopters to Prachand attack helicopters and Akash missiles, Bharat’s catalogue speaks of diversity. On the naval front, offshore patrol vessels, interceptor boats, missile corvettes, and torpedoes have found buyers in island nations dependent on maritime security. Add to that bullet‑proof jackets, advanced radars, encryption systems, and alloys, and Bharat’s exports become a full‑spectrum defence toolkit.

What Drives the Growth?

Three major factors underpin this momentum. First, Bharat’s stable and reliable supply chains, built through its self‑reliance policy, make it a trusted partner. Second, the “price‑to‑power” ratio of Bharatiya platforms ensures affordability without compromising efficiency. Third, New Delhi’s proactive outreach—through lines of credit, defence cooperation pacts, and trade dialogues—helps translate goodwill into contracts.

The government is also considering a reciprocal defence trade strategy. For example, Bharat could swap Tejas fighters for Brazil’s Embraer transport aircraft or exchange components at sub‑system levels. Establishing overseas offices by Bharatiya defence public‑sector and private firms in countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and Singapore could also strengthen market presence. This active diplomacy combines industrial growth with political influence—a model reminiscent of how Bharatiya pharmaceuticals conquered global medical markets.

Partnership with the United States: A Turning Point?

Perhaps the most consequential next step is a potential reciprocal defence agreement with the United States. If signed, Bharatiya manufacturers could become part of the Pentagon’s massive $850‑billion supply ecosystem. Under US law, defence products are sourced only from American or “qualifying countries.” Inclusion in this list would give Bharatiya firms unprecedented access to lucrative contracts and joint‑production opportunities.

For Washington, Bharatiya integration would mean reduced costs and increased resilience in defence sourcing—mirroring how Bharatiya pharma firms helped lower healthcare costs in the US. For New Delhi, it’s not just about money; it’s about stature. Being part of America’s supply chain signals, that Bharat’s technological maturity now commands global trust.

A Defense Economy with a Diplomatic Edge

Bharat’s growing role as an arms exporter is more than an economic milestone—it’s a declaration of strategic maturity. Weapons are not just instruments of war but tools of influence. When a nation exports defense hardware, it also exports credibility, reliability, and an ideological message. The global shift toward Bharatiya arms reflects confidence in Bharat’s neutrality, engineering, and political stability.

But this growth must also navigate ethical and diplomatic sensitivities. Exporting weaponry means entering morally complex zones—where profit, politics, and peace often collide. As Bharat’s footprint expands, it must maintain transparency, prioritize democratic allies, and ensure accountability in its defence diplomacy.

Firepower and Geopolitical Foresight

Bharat’s defence export surge represents a broader transformation—from a dependent buyer to a confident global supplier. The Rs 23,622 crore figure is just a start. In a world divided by wars and shifting alliances, Bharat’s rise as an exporter of affordable, high‑quality weapon systems strengthens not only its economy but also its voice in global affairs.

If managed wisely—with strategic partnerships, ethical trade practices, and a vision beyond profit—Bharat could move from being a participant in global defence markets to becoming an indispensable pillar of a more balanced, multipolar world order.