Bihari Shoes for Russia's Army! India's Defence Industry Soars
India’s Defence Boom: 65% Homegrown, Bihar Boots March in Russia
India has flipped the script on its defence sector, with 65% of its military equipment now crafted domestically—a stark pivot from the 65-70% import reliance of yesteryears, the Ministry of Defence proudly declared Tuesday.
The ‘Make in India’ juggernaut has propelled production to a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, spotlighting a nation forging its own arsenal and flexing global muscle, from advanced artillery to boots on Russian soldiers’ feet.
The ministry’s latest fact sheet paints a picture of surging self-reliance: India’s defence output has soared 174% since 2014-15, when it languished at Rs 46,429 crore. Exports hit Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, with items like bulletproof jackets, Dornier aircraft, and lightweight torpedoes shipping to over 100 countries.
A standout? ‘Made in Bihar’ military boots from Hajipur’s Competence Exports, now standard gear for the Russian Army—a testament to India’s manufacturing chops, with 1.5 million pairs worth Rs 100 crore exported last year alone.
This isn’t just about boots. The ‘Make in India’ push has birthed cutting-edge platforms: the Tejas fighter jet, Arjun tank, Akash missiles, and naval giants like indigenous aircraft carriers and submarines. The recent Cabinet nod for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS)—a Rs 7,000 crore deal with DRDO, Bharat Forge, and Tata—equips the Army with a 40-km-range beast, blending precision and automation. “We’re not just meeting security needs; we’re building an economic powerhouse,” the ministry boasted.
Defence spending has ballooned from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, turbocharging infrastructure. FDI rules eased in 2020—74% via automatic route, higher with approval—have lured Rs 5,516 crore since 2000.
With 16 PSUs, 430 licensed firms, and 16,000 MSMEs, plus a 21% private sector share, India’s eyeing Rs 3 lakh crore in production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
From Bihar’s fields to global battlefields, India’s defence story is rewriting the rules.
