India to Boost Military Capabilities with ?50,000 Crore Budget Increase Following 'Operation Sindoor'

New Delhi (IANS) – India’s defence capabilities are set for a major enhancement, with government sources indicating a potential ?50,000 crore boost to the military budget in the wake of the successful ‘Operation Sindoor.’

According to an NDTV report citing official sources, the additional funds are expected to be introduced through a supplementary budget later this year. If approved, this would raise India’s total defence expenditure beyond the ?7 lakh crore mark for the first time in history.

The Union Budget for 2025–26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, already allocated a record ?6.81 lakh crore for defence — a 9.2% increase over the previous year’s ?6.22 lakh crore.

This proposed increase further reinforces the government's commitment to military modernisation and national security. Sources indicated that the additional allocation will be directed towards critical areas such as research and development, procurement of advanced weaponry, replenishment of ammunition reserves, and acquisition of cutting-edge military systems.

The proposal is expected to be tabled for parliamentary approval during the Winter Session.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, India’s defence spending has consistently risen. In 2014–15, the Ministry of Defence was allocated ?2.29 lakh crore. The current budget not only triples that figure but also represents the highest allocation among all ministries, accounting for 13% of the national budget.

The impetus for this proposed funding increase stems from 'Operation Sindoor' — India’s robust military response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, showcasing India’s evolving strategic posture and military strength.

‘Operation Sindoor’ also highlighted India’s growing reliance on indigenous defence technologies integrated with modern warfare systems. The successful deployment of the Akash missile system — often likened to Israel’s Iron Dome — underscored the robustness of India’s air defence capabilities.

In a related development, India recently tested a new indigenous anti-drone system named Bhargavastra. The low-cost system operates in a "hard kill" mode, using micro-rockets to eliminate aerial threats. It underwent successful trials this week at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha, with all test objectives reportedly achieved.