The emphasis on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing remains paramount as India prepares the 2025 budget. The advancements in domestic defence manufacturing have strengthened economic growth and national security by drastically lowering reliance on imports. However, India must integrate its defence output with sustainability goals to promote a ‘Green Defence Budget’ as global worries about climate change grow.
Push for Self-Reliance in Defence
Defence received ₹5.94 lakh crore in the 2024 Union Budget, an increase of 13% from the year before. Out of this, ₹1.62 lakh crore was set aside for capital expenditures to modernise the armed services and acquire cutting-edge weaponry and domestic equipment. An important step in lowering reliance on foreign suppliers was allocating more than 75% of the defence capital procurement budget to indigenous firms.
This dedication has already paid off, as projects like the Dhanush artillery system, INS Vikrant, and LCA Tejas demonstrate India’s capacity to manufacture top-notch defence hardware. However, considering the carbon footprint and resource-intensive nature of the defence industry, these developments frequently come at a hefty environmental cost.
Projects like the Dhanush artillery system, INS Vikrant, and LCA Tejas demonstrate India’s capacity to manufacture top-notch defence hardware. However, considering the carbon footprint and resource-intensive nature of the defence industry, these developments frequently come at a hefty environmental cost
The Case for Green Defence Production
An emphasis on environmentally friendly industrial techniques must be combined with the unavoidable goal of being self-sufficient. Like all other industrial sectors, the defence industry contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. India can take the lead in creating environmentally friendly defence production models by using sustainable techniques.
By using renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power their operations, defence industrial facilities may minimise their dependency on fossil fuels and drastically minimise their environmental impact. Additionally, reducing waste creation and advancing sustainability may be greatly aided by the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging and equipment.
Additionally, implementing energy-efficient technology, including sophisticated robotics and additive manufacturing, may assist in optimising production processes, guaranteeing maximum resource utilisation while lowering emissions. The defence industry may match its ambitions with more general environmental goals by adopting these strategies.
Implementing energy-efficient technology, including sophisticated robotics and additive manufacturing, may assist in optimising production processes, guaranteeing maximum resource utilisation while lowering emissions. The defence industry should match its goals and environmental safety with these strategies
Global Trends and Lessons for India
Sustainability in defence is already a top priority for nations like the United States and the United Kingdom. For instance, the US Department of Defence is investigating biofuels for aeroplanes and has implemented renewable energy initiatives for military locations. Likewise, the United Kingdom has pledged to attain net-zero emissions by 2050, encompassing its defence industry. As a growing world power, India has to learn from these initiatives to strike a balance between environmental stewardship and military readiness.
Policy Recommendations for the 2025 Budget
The government may encourage businesses to embrace green technology by offering tax breaks and subsidies to encourage sustainability in the defence industry. Measurable progress towards sustainability goals would be ensured by requiring public and private defence units to meet energy efficiency and carbon reduction standards. Furthermore, using green bonds to finance environmentally friendly infrastructure developments in defence manufacturing might offer a reliable source of capital for these kinds of projects.
Working together with startups that focus on sustainable materials and renewable energy may stimulate innovation and the creation of innovative solutions that are suited to the demands of the industry. Defence manufacturers should be required to provide yearly sustainability reports outlining their environmental effects and compliance with green standards to guarantee accountability and transparency.
Defence industrial facilities can minimise their dependency on fossil fuels and drastically minimise their environmental impact by using renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power their operations. Also, using recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging and equipment may reduce waste creation
A Vision for the Future
The defence industry in India is at a turning point as the 2025 budget is being finalised. The government may ensure that environmental damage doesn’t result from self-reliance by adopting green production practices. In a time when climate action is no longer optional, a green defence budget will not only improve India’s reputation internationally but also establish a standard for sustainable growth.
India has the chance to lead the world in the manufacturing of green defences, demonstrating the compatibility of environmental care, military readiness, and economic prosperity. Now is the moment to take action.
The writer is an MBA in Finance, the writer is a SEBI-registered NISM-certified Research Analyst. He has authored over nine articles published in various magazines and journals focusing on finance, defence, and strategic insights. His work reflects a commitment to delivering in-depth analysis and raising awareness in these critical domains
