India to increase defence budget by Rs.50,000 crore after Operation Sindoor: Sources

Defence allocation to surpass Rs.7 lakh crore for 2025–26

India’s defence budget is poised for an additional allocation of Rs.50,000 crore under a supplementary budget, government sources said. This increase, linked to the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, would raise the total defence outlay for FY 2025–26 to over Rs.7 lakh crore.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier announced a record Rs.6.81 lakh crore for defence in the Union Budget on February 1, marking a 9.2% hike from the previous year’s Rs.6.22 lakh crore allocation.

Focus areas for the budget increase

The proposed supplementary funds will be directed towards:

• Defence research and development (R&D)
• Procurement of advanced weapons and ammunition
• Acquisition of critical military equipment

Parliamentary approval for this additional allocation is expected to be sought during the upcoming Winter Session.

A decade of focused defence spending

Since the BJP government came to power in 2014, defence has remained a top priority. The Ministry of Defence received Rs.2.29 lakh crore in the first budget of the Modi administration. Over the last decade, this figure has more than tripled.

Currently, defence commands the largest share of India’s overall budget, accounting for 13% of total government expenditure.

Operation Sindoor: Catalyst for enhanced defence preparedness

Tensions with Pakistan have significantly influenced India’s defence strategies, particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulted in 26 civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir.

India responded with Operation Sindoor, conducting precision air strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This military operation showcased India’s growing tactical capabilities and technological advancements, notably through the integration of indigenous air defence systems.

Akash missile defence and Bhargavastra: Indigenous capabilities on display

Operation Sindoor highlighted India’s sophisticated air defence infrastructure, comparable to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’. A key component of this network is the Akash missile defence system, designed to intercept high-speed aircraft, including Pakistan’s US-made F-16 fighters.

Dr Prahlada Ramarao, a former DRDO scientist instrumental in developing Akash, described its impact with the phrase: “Sara Akash Hamara” (The Whole Sky is Ours).

India also tested the Bhargavastra, an indigenous counter-drone system operating in ‘hard kill’ mode. Successful trials of its micro-rocket system were conducted this week at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha.

India’s doctrine shift and strategic message

In the aftermath of the 100-hour military engagement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for greater domestic defence production, arguing that outsourcing military equipment compromises national security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public address post-Operation Sindoor, issued a stern warning to Pakistan. He declared that India’s policy on terrorism had fundamentally changed, affirming that future engagements would be aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and reclaiming illegally occupied territories.

Pahalgam attack: The spark behind Operation Sindoor

The terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, which claimed 26 lives, triggered a series of strategic responses from India. Initial non-military actions included the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, escalating diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Despite warnings, Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Indian military installations and civilian areas. However, India’s layered air defence systems, including Akash and S-400 units, effectively neutralized these threats.

India responded with further precision strikes, disabling Pakistan’s radar systems and damaging air force bases, ultimately forcing Islamabad to seek a ceasefire.

The proposed Rs.50,000 crore defence budget boost underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its military readiness and advancing indigenous defence capabilities. In the evolving security landscape, initiatives like Operation Sindoor signify a proactive and assertive defence posture, redefining India’s approach to national security and regional stability.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post India to increase defence budget by Rs.50,000 crore after Operation Sindoor: Sources appeared first on PGurus.