Centre eases norms for defence exports, licences

The Defence Ministry has simplified export and licensing norms to help Indian defence manufacturers access global markets faster.

Under the revised Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), stakeholder consultation [with Ministries and government agencies concerned] has been dispensed with for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations. Safeguards, however, will continue to apply to sensitive countries. The requirement has also been removed for exports of all items for international tenders and exhibitions, allowing Indian companies to participate in overseas opportunities more expeditiously.

The Ministry’s Department of Defence Production has also overhauled the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework, which provides eligible exporters a standing, one-time authorisation to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items without seeking separate approval for every shipment.

Three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology have been consolidated into a single framework.

The validity of OGEL has been increased from two to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and associated compliance requirements. Its country coverage has also been expanded from 41 to all countries, except negative and sensitive nations, and those subject to United Nations Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.

The range of items eligible for export under OGEL has also been expanded. The revised framework permits civil-end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, widening the scope for legitimate international business.

The reforms are intended to reduce routine procedural requirements while retaining safeguards for sensitive items, technologies, and destinations. The Ministry said the measures would particularly benefit Indian defence manufacturers, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by helping them respond faster to international tenders and exhibitions, and reducing repetitive authorisation requirements.

The measures come amid a record growth in India’s defence manufacturing and exports. Defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, while exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore during the financial year.