Drone sector poised to propel India’s manufacturing market to $23 billion by 2030
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India’s drone industry is on track to significantly enhance the country’s manufacturing capabilities, potentially pushing its value to $23 billion by the end of the decade, according to a recent industry report by Nexgen.
Driven by rising demand in sectors such as defence, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure, drones are rapidly becoming integral to both commercial and strategic operations.
The report, which surveyed 150 companies across 15 cities, revealed that 40% of drone firms foresee agriculture and precision farming becoming the primary area of demand by 2030, second only to defence.
The growing global market for agricultural drones is also expected to reach $5.89 billion by the same year, aligning with India’s projected surge in this sector. From crop surveillance to preventing theft and deterring wildlife, drones are being widely adopted in rural regions to support smart farming practices.
Highlighting India’s increasing drone capabilities, the report points to Operation Sindoor — conducted in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack — as a turning point in the nation’s strategic use of drones. The operation showcased the advanced role unmanned aerial systems are playing in modern defence.
In support of this momentum, Delhi will host the Drone International Expo 2025 from July 31 to August 1.
Organised by Nexgen Exhibitions, the expo will feature innovations from over six countries, including Russia, Taiwan, Canada, Ukraine, and India, with more than 50 drone manufacturers showcasing cutting-edge technologies.
Aadhar Bansal, Director of Nexgen Exhibitions, said, “The entire world has witnessed the impressive capabilities of drones during Operation Sindoor. I firmly believe that adopting indigenous drones will strengthen the Make in India initiative and contribute to national prosperity across multiple sectors.”
The report also noted that 20% of respondents believe drone technology will spark a transformation in rural India within the next five years, particularly through advances in agriculture. Meanwhile, 15% of participants see growing opportunities in logistics and infrastructure as these sectors increasingly incorporate drone solutions into their operations.