NEW DELHI: India’s defence spending is poised for a significant boost, with government sources indicating an additional ₹50,000 crore allocation in the upcoming supplementary budget—pushing the country’s total defence outlay past the ₹7 lakh crore threshold for the first time.
According to a report by NDTV citing official sources, the supplementary funding is expected to be presented during the Winter Session of Parliament later this year. If approved, the additional funds will mark a new milestone in India’s military expenditure and could reshape the regional strategic calculus in South Asia.
The Union Budget for fiscal year 2025–26, presented on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, had already earmarked ₹6.81 lakh crore for defence—a 9.2% increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹6.22 lakh crore. The latest proposed top-up suggests an even more aggressive trajectory.
Sources say the new funds will be channeled into research and development, acquisition of cutting-edge weaponry, replenishment of ammunition, and procurement of next-generation military hardware. This expanded budget signals an intensified push by the Narendra Modi-led government to modernize India’s armed forces amid growing regional tensions.
However, security analysts have voiced concerns over the rapid military buildup. They warn that India’s accelerating defence expansion could disturb the delicate strategic balance in South Asia, heightening tensions with neighboring countries including Pakistan and China.
“Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on military dominance is escalating an arms race in the region,” said one regional expert, adding that unchecked military investments could have far-reaching geopolitical implications.
Since coming to power in 2014, the Modi government has consistently increased defence allocations, prioritizing indigenous arms production under the “Make in India” initiative and boosting capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
