The Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence has implemented comprehensive reforms to simplify the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework. These changes align with the government's vision of making India a reliable, competitive, and trusted global defence manufacturing and export partner, supporting the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Defence Export SOP Reforms
The reforms eliminate stakeholder consultation requirements for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, while retaining appropriate safeguards for sensitive countries. Additionally, stakeholder consultation has been dispensed with for exports of all items for international tenders and exhibitions, enabling Indian companies to showcase products and pursue international opportunities more expeditiously.
OGEL Framework Enhancements
The OGEL is a standing one-time export authorization that allows eligible exporters to self-generate export authorizations for multiple consignments of specified defence items without separate authorization for each consignment. Key changes include consolidation of three existing OGEL SOPs into one unified framework, extension of OGEL validity from two to three years, and expansion of OGEL coverage from 41 to all countries except negative/sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
A new provision facilitates Indian companies with long-term contracts or agreements with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs), allowing OGEL grants for eligible items with validity aligned with the underlying contract. The range of items covered under OGEL has been expanded, and the revised framework now permits civil-end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment.
Context and Impact
These reforms transition India's defence export regime toward a more comprehensive and facilitation-based system, reducing routine procedural requirements while maintaining appropriate safeguards for sensitive items, technologies, and destinations. The measures are expected to benefit Indian defence manufacturers, including MSMEs, by enabling faster response to international tenders and exhibitions, wider global market access, and reduced repetitive authorization requirements. The reforms build on record defence production of ₹1.78 lakh crore and defence exports of ₹38,424 crore achieved in FY 2025-26.