Reforms are started by the defence ministry to facilitate Indian industry’s access to international markets

As it intensifies efforts to increase the nation’s defence exports, the defence ministry announced on Friday that it has started changes to simplify processes and facilitate access for Indian industry to international markets. According to the department of defence production, a wide range of modifications have been implemented to streamline the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework and the defence export standard operating procedure. By 2029–2030, India wants to export ₹50,000 crore worth of defence.

Eligible exporters can self-generate export authorisations for several consignments of certain defence equipment using the OGEL, a standing, one-time authorisation that eliminates the need for separate authorisations for each shipment. It reduces repetitious procedural needs and offers more flexibility.

“These reforms seek to reduce procedural requirements, facilitate faster access to international markets and enable Indian defence companies to respond more effectively to global business opportunities, while ensuring that national security considerations remain fully safeguarded,” defence minister Rajnath Singh said .The defence ministry described the simplification of the defence export SOP.

First, stakeholder consultation is no longer required when exporting non-lethal defence equipment to the majority of destinations; however, sensitive countries still need to take the necessary precautions. Second, in order to export all things for international tenders and exhibitions, stakeholder consultation is no longer required. This allows Indian enterprises to more quickly present their products and pursue worldwide prospects.

According to the ministry, three current OGEL SOPs—which cover main platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company technology transfer—have been combined into a single, cohesive framework, giving exporters a more uniform and straightforward structure.

Additionally, OGEL validity has been extended from two to three years, which lowers the frequency of renewals and related compliance needs. Its coverage has been extended from 41 to all countries, with the exception of those that are subject to arms embargoes or UN Security Council sanctions, as well as negative or sensitive countries.

“The range of items covered under OGEL has been expanded, providing greater flexibility to eligible exporters.” The revised framework also permits civil end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, further broadening legitimate international business opportunities.

“The reforms move India’s defence export regime towards a more comprehensive and facilitation-based system, reducing routine procedural requirements while retaining appropriate safeguards for sensitive items, technologies and destinations. The measures are expected to particularly benefit Indian defence manufacturers, including MSMEs, by enabling them to respond more quickly to international tenders and exhibitions, access wider global markets and reduce repetitive authorisation requirements,” the ministry said.