At a meeting of army commanders and officials representing 31 African countries, India showcased domestically manufactured helicopters, drones and artillery systems.
India has for years sought to reduce its dependence on arms imports, including from Russia, and has poured billions into its defence sector amid a standoff with China over a border dispute between the two countries.
New Delhi is seeking to open new markets for its weapons and create new horizons of military cooperation, especially for poor countries unable to afford more expensive Western weapons.
At the conclusion of the Avenindex military exercise, which was attended by 31 delegates from African countries, including 10 chiefs of staff, the Indian Army showcased locally manufactured military equipment with a simulated operation that included the landing of elements of special units from helicopters, armoured vehicles and bomb-defusing robots.
In Pune, the centre of India's defence industry in the west of the country, assault rifles, artillery shells and rocket models were on display.
The 9-day drill concluded on Wednesday with the participation of troops from 23 African countries, including delegations from Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa.
India displayed its weapons to army commanders at the end of the Avenindex exercise (Reuters)
India opened its biggest helicopter production plant in February, months after it launched a domestically manufactured passenger plane and test-fired a ballistic missile from its first domestically built nuclear-propelled submarine.
India aims to more than double its annual arms exports, from $1.7 billion currently to $5 billion in the coming years.
India's arms exports to African countries account for less than 20 percent, particularly Egypt, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles.
The head of the Indian Defence Industries Authority (IAIA) said the focus on sales in Africa was "defensive" in nature, including armoured vehicles, radars and telecommunications equipment.
During his meeting with the commanders of the African armies participating in the exercises, Indian Army Chief of Staff General Manoj Pandey said his country and Africa face common threats, and collective experience can be useful in better preparing to deal with emerging security challenges.
The Press Trust of India reported that during his speech, General Pandey also emphasized that a cooperative approach to defence manufacturing would be a win-win situation for cooperation between India and the continent.