Drone industry growth outlook: India’s manufacturing potential may hit $23 billion by 2030; Defence and agri sectors seen as key drivers, says Nexgen report

India’s drone industry could help unlock up to $23 billion in manufacturing potential by 2030, driven by fast-growing demand from sectors such as defence, agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, according to a new report released by Nexgen Exhibitions.The report, based on a survey of 150 drone companies across 15 Indian cities, highlights a sharp rise in drone adoption following India’s Operation Sindoor, which marked a turning point in the country’s strategic use of drones in counter-terror operations, PTI reported.“Drones are now central to modern warfare, and India’s rapid deployment during Operation Sindoor signals a new era,” the Nexgen report noted.Agriculture, defence lead the demand surgeWhile defence remains a key driver of demand, 40% of companies surveyed said the agriculture and precision farming segment is expected to become the biggest consumer of drones in India by 2030. The report noted that the global agricultural drone market is projected to touch $5.89 billion by the end of the decade.Nexgen’s Director Aadhar Bansal said indigenous drone adoption could significantly boost the government’s Make in India push. “The world has seen the impact of drones during Operation Sindoor. Indigenous drones will empower national prosperity across sectors,” Bansal said in a statement, quoted PTI.To accelerate this momentum, Delhi will host the Drone International Expo 2025 from July 31 to August 1, organised by Nexgen. The event will feature over 50 domestic and international drone manufacturers and exhibitors from six countries, including Russia, Taiwan, Canada, Ukraine, and India.The survey also found that 20% of drone companies believe drone technology will transform rural India over the next five years, especially through smart agriculture. Another 15% of respondents flagged logistics and infrastructure as critical growth areas for drones.Besides enabling precision farming, drones are increasingly being used in agriculture for monitoring crop health, surveillance against theft, and wildlife intrusion prevention, the report added.