India is advancing its defense capabilities, aiming to become a significant global weapons exporter through its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Key to this ambition is the production and export of complete big-ticket systems, such as fighter jets and naval vessels, which would enhance its competitive edge against established global players. Successful exports like the BrahMos missile and the Tejas fighter indicate potential, but challenges like production capacity and technology gaps must be addressed. Streamlining export processes and fostering collaborations will be essential for India to secure a larger share of the $100 billion global arms market and strengthen its geopolitical influence in the Indo-Pacific region.