Mumbai: India's defence sector stocks have seen a big rise in the stock market over the last 12 trading sessions. Together, they added Rs 1.22 lakh crore to their total market value since April 25. This includes companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Cochin Shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Bharat Dynamics, BEML, Data Patterns, and Zen Technologies.
HAL and BEL saw the highest increase in value. Garden Reach Shipbuilders had the largest gain in percentage. This rally started after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Following this, India's defence forces carried out "Operation Sindoor" to stop attacks on Indian air bases from across the border. This operation brought focus on India's defence strength and boosted investor confidence.
The strong performance of these companies also comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s defence industry. In his speech on May 13, he said that the time has come for India to use defence equipment made in the country. His statement gave a further push to the stocks.
India's defence exports have also grown. In financial year 2025, exports reached Rs 23,622 crore, a 12 per cent rise from Rs 21,083 crore the year before. The Ministry of Defence posted on "X" that India is now aiming for Rs 50,000 crore in exports to over 80 countries by 2029. This would be a big jump from Rs 686 crore in 2014.
Some companies also reacted to their latest quarterly results. Garden Reach and HAL announced strong results on Wednesday. Cochin Shipyard is expected to share its results during Thursday's trading session.
Investors are hopeful about the future of these companies. The focus on “Make in India” and growing export plans are keeping these stocks in the spotlight. The defence sector is now seen as a strong area of growth for the Indian economy.
