Opinion | Modi Govt's Marginal Defence Budget Hike Makes Light Of Indian Military’s Glaring Firepower Gaps

The nominal increase in the defence budget will only address rising expenses on salaries, pensions, and allowances, as well as inflationary pressures, and the devaluation of Indian currency. 

In this year's Budget, presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman this week, there has been no significant increase in the budgetary provisions under the capital head to substantially enhance India's firepower.

Source : PTI

Despite the increased tension and aggressive military posturing along the borders, India’s defence preparedness appears to be progressing at a slow pace. The allocation of Rs 6,22,000 crore for defence in the Union Budget of 2024-25 reflects a marginal increase of 4.79% over the previous financial year. The budgetary provision under the capital head stands at Rs 1,72,000 crore, with no significant increase to enhance India’s firepower. The defence budget, which reached 3% of the GDP