Defence stocks on fire! PM Modi’s Made in India pitch lifts BEL, HAL, Bharat Dynamics up to 9%

Defence stocks were in top gear on May 13 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first address post Operation Sindoor, pushed strongly for self-reliance in military equipment and highlighted the proven performance of Made in India weapons. This sharp commentary lifted market sentiment, sending the Nifty India Defence index soaring nearly 4 per cent to hover around 7,416.

“Time has come for Made in India defence equipment”: PM Modi

Addressing the nation on May 12, PM Modi said that the military mission had showcased the strength of Indian armed forces across diverse terrains. He added, “During this operation, the authenticity of our Made in India weapons was also proven. Today, the world is witnessing that in 21st-century warfare, the time has come for Made in India defence equipment.”

The speech came in the wake of India’s successful military campaign, Operation Sindoor, which began in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

BDL top gainer with 10% jump, HAL, BEL, BEML rise over 4%

Bharat Dynamics (BDL) was the day’s standout performer, soaring nearly 10 per cent to Rs 1,720.70 — its sharpest single-day gain in over a year. Analysts attributed this move not just to the broader rally, but to specific mention of the Akash missile system in a joint briefing by the Indian Armed Forces.

Air Marshal AK Bharti noted, “Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system… Operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade.” BDL is a key manufacturer of the Akash missile.

Broader sector gains, export outlook remains bullish

Other key gainers included:

• HAL, BEL, BEML: Up over 4.3 per cent

• Zen Technologies, Cochin Shipyard: Gained over 4 per cent

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Rose 3.6 per cent

• GRSE, Paras Defence: Up over 3 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively

Air Marshal AK Bharti assured full operational readiness, saying, “All military bases & systems fully operational. We are ready to undertake future missions.”

Exports hit record high; govt eyes Rs 50,000 crore by 2029

India’s defence exports rose to a record Rs 23,622 crore in FY25, up 12 per cent year-on-year. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated the target of touching Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, driven by Make in India momentum.

With strong political backing, proven indigenous performance, and a global push for strategic autonomy, defence stocks are expected to stay in focus in the near term.