India set to sharpen military edge with Rs 50,000 cr 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. (IANS)

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