India's defence order inflows decline 17% despite record approvals

India has companies that build ships, submarines and missiles for its military.

Last year, the government approved a huge number of new defence projects worth Rs 6.7 lakh crore.

But the companies received fewer final orders than the year before, about 17% fewer.

This happened because three big programmes - submarines, missile systems and warships - were delayed.

The paperwork for these programmes is almost finished, so experts think the orders will come soon.

Next year, the companies might get orders worth about Rs 3.30 lakh crore, much more than this year.

India is also selling more defence equipment to other countries, which reached a record high.

The government is spending more money on defence every year to keep the country safe.

Overall, experts believe the slowdown was temporary and the defence sector will grow again.