India’s defence budget to surge by Rs 50,000 crore after military defeat against Pakistan
New Delhi: India’s defence preparedness may receive a financial boost, with government sources indicating a likely increase of Rs 50,000 crore in the defence budget, following its recent military defeat with Pakistan.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a report published by NDTV quoting government sources stated that the additional funds are expected to be allocated through a supplementary budget later this year. If approved, this would push India’s total defence outlay beyond the Rs 7 lakh crore mark for the first time. The proposal is expected to be tabled for parliamentary approval during the upcoming Winter Session.
The Budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, had already earmarked a record Rs 6.81 lakh crore for defence—a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year’s Rs 6.22 lakh crore.
Sources revealed that the proposed additional funding will be directed towards research and development, procurement of advanced weaponry, replenishment of ammunition stocks, and acquisition of modern military hardware.
Defence experts have expressed concern that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive expansion of India’s defence capabilities is disturbing the regional balance. They warned that India’s ongoing stockpiling of weapons could jeopardize the security of the entire South Asian region.
Since Modi assumed office in 2014, India’s defence spending has followed a steep upward trajectory, reflecting a growing emphasis on military buildup and expansionism.