India’s Drone Industry: A $23 Billion Opportunity by 2030
India’s drone industry is ready for takeoff. It could reach a staggering $23 billion in manufacturing by 2030. This growth is fueled by high demand from key sectors like defense, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. A recent report by Nexgen Exhibitions sheds light on this promising trend.
The Rise of Drones in India
The report surveyed 150 drone companies across 15 Indian cities. It shows a sharp increase in drone use after India’s Operation Sindoor. This operation was a turning point. It marked India’s strategic use of drones in counter-terror operations.
“Drones are now key to modern warfare. India’s quick use of drones in Operation Sindoor signals a new era,” the Nexgen report noted.
Agriculture and Defense Lead the Demand
Defense is still a major driver of demand. But 40% of the surveyed companies believe agriculture and precision farming will be the biggest users of drones in India by 2030. The global market for agricultural drones is expected to hit $5.89 billion by the end of the decade.
Aadhar Bansal, Director of Nexgen, said, “Using homegrown drones could greatly boost the government’s Make in India initiative. The world saw the impact of drones during Operation Sindoor. Indigenous drones will drive national prosperity across sectors.”
Upcoming Drone International Expo 2025
To speed up this growth, Delhi will host the Drone International Expo 2025 from July 31 to August 1. This event is organized by Nexgen. It will feature over 50 drone manufacturers from around the world. Exhibitors from six countries, including Russia, Taiwan, Canada, Ukraine, and India, will take part.
Transforming Rural India
The survey also found that:
- 20% of drone companies believe drone technology will change rural India in the next five years. Smart agriculture will be a major factor.
- 15% of respondents see logistics and infrastructure as crucial growth areas for drones.
Besides precision farming, drones are increasingly used in agriculture for:
- Checking crop health
- Surveillance to prevent theft
- Keeping wildlife from damaging crops
