Synopsis: India may allocate an additional ?50,000 crore to its defence budget following Operation Sindoor, pushing the total allocation beyond ?7 lakh crore. The move signals a sharp shift toward stronger military preparedness and indigenous defence capabilities.
India’s defence sector is set to receive a significant financial boost, with government sources indicating a likely ?50,000-crore supplementary allocation in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. If approved during the Winter Session of Parliament, the total defence outlay for FY 2025–26 will exceed ?7 lakh crore, a historic milestone.
In the Union Budget presented on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had already earmarked a record ?6.81 lakh crore for defence—a 9.2% increase from the previous fiscal. This potential supplementary budget highlights the government’s intensified focus on military preparedness following the April Pahalgam terror attack and India’s robust retaliation under Operation Sindoor.
What Will the Funds Be Used For?
According to officials, the additional funds will strengthen:
- Defence R&D
- Weapons and ammunition procurement
- Advanced military equipment
The emphasis is also on boosting domestic defence production, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterating that self-reliance is key to India’s long-term security.
Operation Sindoor: A Turning Point
India’s military operation came in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Operation Sindoor saw India execute precision strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and PoK, using the Akash and S-400 air defence systems to repel retaliatory drone and missile attacks.
India also unveiled Bhargavastra, an indigenous hard kill counter-drone system, which was successfully tested in Odisha. The operation has earned comparisons to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’, underscoring India’s evolving capability in layered air defence.
Modi's Message: New Rules of Engagement
In his first post-operation address, PM Narendra Modi issued a strong warning to Pakistan, stating that India will no longer engage in talks on Kashmir, except to discuss dismantling terrorist infrastructure and reclaiming PoK. This signals a doctrinal shift—India is now committed to pre-emptive and retaliatory strikes to secure its borders.
Since 2014, the Modi government has tripled defence allocations—from ?2.29 lakh crore in its first year to over ?7 lakh crore projected for 2025–26. The defence ministry now accounts for 13% of the total Union Budget, making it the highest among all ministries.
This latest move not only solidifies India's military posture but also reinforces its message of zero tolerance for terrorism, backed by decisive action and modernised firepower.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute defence or policy advice. Readers are encouraged to refer to official government releases for verified information.
