India set to sharpen military edge with INR 50,000 cr budget
India set to sharpen military edge with INR 50,000 cr budget surge post 'Operation Sindoor'
India’s Defence preparedness may receive a major financial push, with government sources indicating a likely INR 50,000 crore increase in the nation's military budget
NEW DELHI — India’s Defence preparedness may receive a major financial push,
with government sources indicating a likely Rs 50,000 crore increase in the
nation's military budget following the successful execution of 'Operation
Sindoor'.
A report in NDTV quoting government sources stated, the
additional funds are expected to be allocated through a supplementary budget
later this year, potentially pushing the total Defence outlay beyond the Rs 7
lakh crore mark for the first time.
The Union Budget for 2025–26, presented by Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, had already earmarked a record Rs
6.81 lakh crore for Defence. This figure marked a significant 9.2 per cent rise
from the previous year’s Rs 6.22 lakh crore.
If the additional allocation is approved, it will further
underscore the government’s strategic priority towards military modernisation
and national security.
Sources revealed that the extra funds will be channelled
into key areas such as research and development, procurement of advanced
weaponry, replenishment of ammunition stocks, and acquisition of
state-of-the-art military hardware.
The proposal is likely to be tabled for parliamentary
approval during the Winter Session.
Since the beginning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
tenure in 2014, Defence spending has seen a steep upward trajectory.
In 2014–15, the Defence Ministry was allocated Rs 2.29
lakh crore. The current budget not only dwarfs that figure but also represents
the largest allocation among all ministries, constituting 13 per cent of the
national budget.
The momentum for the proposed increase comes in the wake
of 'Operation Sindoor', India's decisive military response to the April 22
terror attack in Pahalgam.
The operation, which targeted terror infrastructure in
Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, demonstrated India’s growing military
capabilities and strategic resolve.
'Operation Sindoor' has also drawn attention to the
Indian military’s integration of indigenous defence systems with advanced
technologies.
Notably, the operation showcased the effectiveness of
India’s air defence architecture, including the indigenous Akash missile
system, often compared to Israel’s Iron Dome.
In a related development, India also tested a new anti-drone
weapon called Bhargavastra. Designed as a low-cost counter-drone system
operating in 'hard kill' mode, it employs micro-rockets to neutralise aerial
threats.
The system underwent successful trials at the Seaward
Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha, earlier this week, with officials confirming
that all test objectives were met.
