New Delhi : The Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence has introduced a comprehensive set of reforms to simplify the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework.
The reforms have been undertaken in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a reliable, competitive and trusted global partner in defence manufacturing and exports. The measures also support the objectives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Implemented under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the reforms seek to reduce procedural requirements, speed up access to international markets and enable Indian defence companies to respond more effectively to global business opportunities. At the same time, the government has retained safeguards to protect national security and regulate sensitive items, technologies and destinations.
Changes to Defence Export SOP
Under the revised Defence Export SOP:
- Stakeholder consultation has been dispensed with for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations. Appropriate safeguards will continue to apply to sensitive countries.
- Stakeholder consultation has also been dispensed with for exports of all items connected with international tenders and exhibitions.
- The changes will allow Indian companies to showcase their products and pursue international business opportunities more quickly.
The simplified process is expected to help defence manufacturers, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), participate more efficiently in overseas tenders and exhibitions.
Simplification of OGEL Framework
The Open General Export Licence, or OGEL, is a standing, one-time export authorisation. It enables eligible exporters to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items without obtaining a separate approval for every shipment.
The framework provides exporters with greater flexibility and reduces repetitive paperwork and compliance requirements.
The major changes include:
- Three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology have been consolidated into a single unified SOP.
- The validity of an OGEL has been increased from two years to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals.
- OGEL coverage has been expanded from 41 countries to all countries, except negative or sensitive destinations and countries facing United Nations Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
- A new provision has been introduced for Indian companies that have long-term contracts or agreements with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs).
- Eligible companies may receive an OGEL for specified items and a particular FOEM, with the licence validity aligned with the underlying contract or agreement, subject to prescribed conditions.
- The list of items covered under OGEL has been expanded.
- The revised framework permits the civil-end-use export of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, further widening legitimate international business opportunities.
Boost to Defence Manufacturing and Exports
The reforms move India’s defence export regime towards a more facilitation-based system. They are intended to reduce routine procedural requirements while maintaining appropriate controls over sensitive defence equipment, technologies and destinations.
The measures are expected to:
- Improve the ease of doing business for defence exporters;
- Reduce delays in obtaining repetitive export authorisations;
- Help Indian companies respond more quickly to international tenders;
- Support participation in international defence exhibitions;
- Expand access to overseas markets;
- Encourage greater involvement of MSMEs; and
- Strengthen partnerships with global defence manufacturers.
India’s defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025–26, while defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore during the same period.
The government said the latest reforms would further strengthen India’s defence manufacturing and export ecosystem and support the country’s emergence as a competitive and trusted global defence partner.