With its growing defence manufacturing capabilities and strategic partnerships, India has the unique opportunity to address the emerging gaps in global defence supplies

The global defence landscape is rapidly evolving, marked by escalating geopolitical conflicts and the increasingly strategic use of denial tactics to restrict access to critical military hardware and technology. Many nations, including India’s key strategic partners, are facing unprecedented challenges as essential defence stockpiles deplete, and sophisticated war machines become obsolete or vulnerable to new forms of subversion.

In response, major defence suppliers, particularly those in first-world countries, are prioritizing the preservation of their stockpiles over external sales. Amid these challenges, a critical opportunity emerges for India. By adopting a strategically designed approach to filling these gaps and enhancing its strategic influence and partnerships, India can play a significant role in addressing the emerging deficits in the global defence supply chain

Vulnerabilities in the Global Defense Supply Chain: The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, has exposed the fragility of global defence supply chains. As India seeks to position itself as a reliable and diversified supplier of defence equipment, it is imperative to act promptly. Scaling these capabilities and implementing robust, resilient policies rooted in long-term strategic objectives is critical for India to emerge as a prominent player in the global defence marketplace.

Strengthening Strategic Alliances: India has bolstered its defence partnerships with major global powers, including the United States, Russia, France, and Israel. However, these alliances must evolve beyond transactional arrangements into enduring, reciprocal relationships.

For India, every transaction or partnership should be leveraged to bolster the country’s ability to produce surpluses and emerge as a key provider for other nations' defence needs. These strategic alliances should not only enhance India’s position as a global player but also provide it with a sustainable competitive edge in the global defence market.

Advancing Indigenous Production Capacity: India has made considerable strides in Indigenous defence production, exemplified by achievements such as the Arjun main battle tank, BrahMos missile, and Tejas fighter jet. However, these successes must evolve to meet the increasing demands of the global defence market. To strengthen its position as a world-class defence producer, India must expand its production capabilities into areas such as military-class UAVs, advanced missile defence systems, and cutting-edge cyber defence technologies. Additionally, integrating advanced maritime reconnaissance aircraft, anti-submarine warfare systems, and comprehensive surveillance infrastructure into its production portfolio is essential.

India’s Indigenous defence production capacity must be enhanced to meet international benchmarks, positioning the country as a dominant player in filling global defence requirements.

Enhancing Strategic-Critical Manufacturing Projects

India’s ambitions to become a leading, self-sufficient defence producer are underscored by initiatives like “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat. However, the true measure of success will be how well these products align with international demands and address the expanding gaps in the global defence supply chain. India must swiftly adapt to global requirements, ensuring that its products are compatible with international platforms and standards.

To achieve this, the country’s policies must prioritize attracting investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure, supporting defence production systems, and upgrading critical production expertise. Additionally, enforcing rigorous quality control and fostering an innovation-driven, high-quality production foundation is essential to meeting global defence demands.### Diversification and Global CompetitivenessDiversification and transformation within India’s defence sector are vital for achieving global competitiveness. A diversified manufacturing base that strategically incorporates public sector units with private enterprises must be developed to create a more adaptable and responsive supply chain.

As India aims to become a major defence supplier, success will depend on developing a sustainable innovation ecosystem that produces tangible outcomes.

Path Forward:

India as a Leading Defense SupplierIndia’s ambition to emerge as a leading defence supplier demands decisive action and strategic focus. To realize this vision, India must enhance its export capabilities, target key markets, and align with international standards.  Success in this arena depends on establishing a firm policy commitment to consistently deliver high-quality, adaptable, and precise defence products tailored to the needs of diverse conflicts, theatres, and warfare requirements.

(The author is an ICSSR-Post Doctoral Fellow, School of National Security Studies, Central University of Gujarat. The views expressed are personal)