Since its inception, the term “Atmanirbhar Bharat” that literally translates to Self-Reliant India has increasingly become the symbol of India’s growing economic self-sufficiency, manufacturing prowess and holistic national development and India’s defence manufacturing sector has been pioneering the actualisation of the vision like no other. With indigenous defence production skyrocketing to record high of ₹ 23,622 crore in 2024-25, that marks a growth of 12.04% over 2023-24, India’s defence ecosystem stands as testament to the remarkable shift that the industry has undergone from heavy dependence in the post-independence era to a growing indigenous industrial base, in recent years.
From heavy dependence in the post-independence era to a growing indigenous industrial base, India’s defence manufacturing base has gone through an evolutionary transformation. At the time of independence India inherited a nominal defence industrial base that was centred around British ordnance factories. Then the immediate focus was to set up manufacturing capabilities of the public sector while keeping the participation of the private sector minimal. This vision manifested in the form of the establishment of DPSUs like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
All the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Image Credit: Anirudh Phadke / The Viyug
About the Author
Ipsha Bhalsagar is a recent Electronics and Telecommunications engineering graduate with a strong passion for geopolitics and international relations. She has contributed to platforms like The Indian Netizens and Project Statecraft, and the Indian Forum for Public Diplomacy. Ipsha’s work explores the intersection of technology and global affairs, with a focus on strategic analysis and data-driven insights. Her article on India’s maritime security was published in the Phadke Journal of Strategic Studies. She also writes occasionally on her website, sharing her thoughts and opinions.
