India targets global leadership in arms exports and digital technology

India is pursuing ambitious national goals to transform its economy and global standing through defense manufacturing and digital technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that India aims to become the world’s largest arms exporter within the next 25 to 30 years.

Driven by the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, the country’s defense exports have reportedly grown approximately 35-fold over the last decade. The shift involves a restructuring of the defense-industrial base, with private sector companies like Tata, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Forge participating in major projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter program. Key systems attracting international interest include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Akash air defense system, and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher.

Parallel to its industrial ambitions, India is positioning itself as a leader in digital public infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that technology should serve humanity to achieve ‘Welfare for All, Happiness of All.’ Unlike models seen in the United States or China, India is developing a ‘third path’ by treating technology as an open, democratic public good to drive national growth and equitable development.