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12 Years of Transformation: India’s Defence Journey Under PM Modi

On June 10, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone as India’s longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister. Over the last 12 years, one of the most defining shifts in Indian governance has been the comprehensive overhaul, modernization, and strategic elevation of the nation’s defense sector.



India has systematically moved away from heavy reliance on foreign military imports toward indigenous manufacturing, structural integration, and proactive deterrence. Here is a deep dive into how India reshaped its defense ecosystem, modernized its armed forces, and emerged as a global defense exporter.

1. Structural Overhaul and Operational Integration

For decades, India’s military branches operated in distinct operational silos. The initial catalyst for reform arrived in 2019 with the landmark establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position alongside the Department of Military Affairs (DMA)—a long-pending step toward seamless tri-service integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 



These administrative changes were reinforced by a complete revision of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the rollout of Positive Indigenisation Lists. By restricting the import of hundreds of military items, the government pushed domestic state and private entities to step up, innovate, and manufacture locally.

2. From Strategic Restraint to Proactive Deterrence

This structural overhaul enabled a new doctrine of proactive deterrence, shattering long-standing paradigms of strategic restraint:

  • Operation Bandar (February 2019): Following the Pulwama terror attack, IAF Mirage 2000s penetrated deep into hostile airspace to execute precision airstrikes against terror infrastructure in Balakot.


  • Operation Sindoor (May 2025): Launched in response to civilian killings in Pahalgam, the Army and IAF executed synchronized precision strikes to dismantle 9 major terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoJK. The opening strikes integrated Rafale-launched SCALP stand-off cruise missiles and Su-30MKI-fired Crystal Maze precision-guided munitions, while ground-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and air-launched Rampage missiles systematically neutralized 11 hostile airbases to ground interceptors.


3. Multi-Domain Platform Modernization

Capital allocations over the past decade have focused on bolstering capabilities across air, land, and sea domains:

  • Air Force: The induction of 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets significantly boosted combat capabilities, while the S-400 Triumf air defense system added a sophisticated protective shield. The IAF also inducted the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, expanded its drone ecosystem, and accelerated the development of the AMCA fifth-generation fighter program.

  • Navy: The commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2022—India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier—marked a defining milestone in complex warship construction. This was paired with progress in the Arihant-class nuclear submarine program, indigenous warship builds (destroyers, frigates, and corvettes), and acquisitions like the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for extended Indian Ocean surveillance.

  • Army: Ground forces saw steady upgrades through domestic artillery platforms like the Dhanush, K9 Vajra, and ATAGS, along with new-generation infantry weapons and advanced anti-tank missiles.

  • Border Infrastructure: Unprecedented capital investment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) delivered new high-altitude roads, bridges, strategic tunnels, and improved living conditions, dramatically improving troop mobility and logistical readiness.

4. Self-Reliance and Record-Breaking Defense Exports

At the core of this military evolution is self-reliance (Atmanirbharata). Annual defense production in India has crossed the ₹1.5 lakh crore milestone, supported by opening the sector to private enterprises and fostering innovation through initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the SRIJAN portal.



The impact on defense trade has been transformative:

  • FY 2013–14 Defense Exports: ₹686 crore

  • FY 2025–26 Defense Exports: ₹38,424 crore

This represents more than a 56-fold increase in exports. Indigenous systems—including BrahMos supersonic missiles, Akash air defense systems, Pinaka rocket systems, and advanced radars—are now exported to over 100 countries worldwide. 



5. Personnel Reform and Financial Backing

To build a leaner, more technology-oriented force, the government introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022, undertaking major structural human-resource reform for long-term operational agility.

Underpinning these initiatives is sustained financial support. Ministry of Defence allocations have crossed ₹7 lakh crore in recent budget cycles, with an increasing share directed toward capital acquisitions and domestic procurement—ensuring the armed forces receive timely modernization while strengthening national economic growth.

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