The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has introduced significant changes to its defence export standard operating procedure (SOP) and open general export licence (OGEL) framework. Undertaken under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the policy updates are designed to remove policy barriers that hinder the global reach of indigenous weapon systems, ease compliance burdens, and accelerate access to international markets.
These regulatory updates coincide with a period of growth for the sector. India's defence production reached a reported high of ₹1.78 lakh crore, while defence exports touched ₹38,424 crore in FY26. Currently, India exports weapons systems and platforms—such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash-1S surface-to-air missile, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, ATAGS 155mm howitzers and artillery shells, patrol vessels, lightweight torpedoes, and armoured vehicles—to around 100 countries. Key destinations include the US, France, Israel, Armenia, Philippines, and Italy.
Under the revised SOP, stakeholder consultation has been removed for the export of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, though safeguards remain for sensitive nations. Ahead of the announcement, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, noted at an Assocham event that the export licensing regime is being rationalised. He stated that powers have been delegated to a Joint Secretary, and a one-time, multi-year export authorisation regime is under consideration for long-term supply partners of global OEMs.
The updated OGEL framework introduces a standing, one-time export authorisation. This allows eligible exporters to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items without needing separate clearance for each individual shipment. Additionally, three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology have been merged into a single unified framework.
Key structural changes to the OGEL framework include extending its validity from two to three years to reduce renewal frequency and compliance requirements. Furthermore, OGEL coverage has been expanded from 41 nations to all countries, excluding negative or sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
A new provision also enables Indian companies with long-term contracts or agreements with foreign original equipment manufacturers (FOEMs) to obtain an OGEL for eligible items, with validity aligned directly to the underlying agreement's duration. The Ministry stated that these measures aim to benefit Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs, by allowing them to respond more quickly to international tenders and exhibitions while maintaining national security safeguards.
"The simplification of defence export procedures and the expansion of the OGEL framework represent a pragmatic step for India's manufacturing sector. By reducing repetitive compliance burdens and extending licence validity, the Ministry of Defence is providing much-needed operational flexibility to manufacturers and MSMEs. This regulatory ease will enable Indian enterprises to respond faster to international market demands, supporting the broader objective of establishing India as a trusted global defence manufacturing hub." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes
