India Simplifies Defence Export Norms to Boost Global Market Access

The Ministry of Defence has simplified export and licensing norms to help Indian defence manufacturers access global markets more quickly. Under the revised Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the government has removed the requirement for stakeholder consultation with ministries and agencies for the export of non lethal defence items to most destinations. This requirement has also been eliminated for items intended for international exhibitions and tenders. Additionally, the Department of Defence Production has overhauled the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework. This framework allows eligible exporters a one time authorization to self generate export authorizations for multiple consignments of specified items without seeking separate approval for every shipment. The validity of the OGEL has been increased from two to three years, and its coverage has expanded from 41 countries to all nations except those subject to UN Security Council sanctions, arms embargoes, or those deemed sensitive. The revised framework also permits civil end use exports of protective equipment and specified parts of small calibre arms. These reforms are intended to reduce procedural burdens for manufacturers, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The changes follow a period of record growth in the sector, with defence production reaching 1.78 lakh crore rupees in 2025 to 2026 and exports reaching 38,424 crore rupees during the financial year.