But it also strives to sell its military equipment made in India, targeting, in particular, countries that cannot afford equipment designed in the West, which is much more expensive.
On Wednesday, the Indian army conducted a simulated military operation featuring commandos with drones, armored vehicles, helicopters and demining robots.
The operation took place in Pune (west), the country's main military equipment manufacturing centre. It comes after nine days of joint military exercises with 23 African countries, including Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa.
"We make affordable and reliable equipment," VG told AFP. Patankar, a retired Indian general, at Wednesday's event.
In February, India inaugurated its largest helicopter manufacturing plant, months after unveiling its first locally designed aircraft carrier and testing a ballistic missile from its first nuclear-powered submarine made in India.
In the coming years, the country hopes to more than double its annual arms exports and earn some $5 billion from about $1.7 billion currently.
An African soldier tests a weapon during an arms display by India in Pune, March 29, 2023 © Money SHARMA / AFP
Less than 20 percent of its arms exports are currently destined for Africa, with customers such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Mauritius and Seychelles, officials told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The Director of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, SP. Shukla told AFP that India's trade proposals to Africa focused on equipment of a "defensive" nature, such as armoured vehicles, radars and telecommunications equipment.
© 2023 AFP