India’s economic rise is unquestionable. With a GDP that crossed $4 trillion in 2024, it stands as the world’s 4th largest economy. But this economic strength hasn’t translated into defense autonomy. Why does India still import critical weapon systems?

India’s defense budget for FY 2025–26 stands at a staggering ₹6.8 lakh crore (~$79 billion), placing it among the world’s top 5 defense spenders. Yet despite this massive expenditure, most of our military hardware — from rifles to missiles — still comes from abroad. Why?

India is among the world’s top military powers — with one of the largest standing armies, a blue-water navy, and advanced missile capabilities. But much of this power is built on systems we don’t fully own. Behind the might lies a troubling truth: our armed forces remain deeply dependent on foreign intellectual property (IP).

India is now the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with a booming startup ecosystem and globally recognized tech talent. Yet, in the defense sector, breakthrough innovations still die in laboratories. Why does our defense R&D rarely make it to the battlefield?