Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s focus on defence modernisation, saying the government has a duty to strengthen the armed forces in line with evolving security realities. In an exclusive interview with PTI, he cited record allocations in the Union Budget 2026–27, linking them to broader national readiness and India’s development trajectory.
In the recently presented Union Budget 2026–27, the Ministry of Defence received a historic allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore around 15 per cent more than the previous year marking the largest share awarded to any ministry in the government’s annual plan. Of this, funds earmarked specifically for modernisation of equipment and technology rose sharply, with capital expenditure focused on acquisition of new assets and cutting-edge systems.
The government has emphasised that nearly 75 per cent of capital acquisition funds are reserved for domestic procurement, underlining the twin goals of indigenisation and self-reliance in defence production. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) allocations also received an uplift, aimed at spurring local innovation and R&D in advanced military technologies.
Officials such as Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Raj Kumar Arora have stressed that the enhanced budget will help improve combat readiness, replenish vital supplies, and reduce dependency on imported weapons systems. Arora described the measures as essential given India’s current geopolitical landscape, where strategic autonomy and rapid response capability have become central to national security planning.
PM Modi’s Vision: Modern Forces for a Developed Nation
In his interview with PTI, PM Modi linked the defence budget’s rising trajectory to broader national aspirations. He acknowledged that evolving security challenges characterised by rapid technological change and shifting geopolitical pressures demand continuous upgrades in military capability. Modi said defence strengthening is not reactive to a single event but a “continuous, long-term effort.”
Highlighting the experience of Operation Sindoor a significant military operation undertaken in 2025 the prime minister asserted that recent reforms bore fruit during the operation, strengthening India’s readiness and operational success. He also pointed to a dramatic rise in defence exports, which have grown to over ₹23,000 crore in recent years, reflecting stronger domestic manufacturing capacity.
In his remarks, Modi reiterated that modern armed forces are vital to securing India’s borders, protecting its global interests and supporting the broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 a vision he frames as “Viksit Bharat.” Government leaders argue that a secure nation must have technologically equipped forces backed by robust infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
The increased defence allocation comes against a backdrop of ongoing border tensions with neighbouring states and a broader global environment marked by strategic competition. India’s defence spending, which has steadily risen over the past decade, now accounts for around 2 per cent of GDP, and capital outlay for modernisation has more than doubled in absolute terms since the mid-2010s.
Analysts point out that recent procurements including additional fighter aircraft, naval vessels and advanced reconnaissance platforms form part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s multi-domain capabilities. For instance, India’s Defence Acquisition Council has moved forward on plans to bring in hundreds of Rafale fighter jets and advanced maritime patrol aircraft, strengthening air and naval power amid rising concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Beyond defence hardware, ministries have also emphasised internal security and intelligence capabilities. The Intelligence Bureau’s budget received a substantial boost, reflecting a pattern where security agencies across the board are being positioned to respond to complex threats, both external and internal.
Political voices from the opposition have offered mixed reactions: while acknowledging the rise in allocations, some critics argue that key areas of capability, such as engine production and future fighter programmes, still face structural bottlenecks and require clearer policy focus.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While national security is unquestionably important, it is equally critical to scrutinise how public funds are allocated and balanced with social priorities. A young nation aspiring to be both secure and equitable must ensure that investments in defence modernisation do not overshadow urgent needs in education, healthcare, environmental protection and social welfare.
Robust defence should not come at the expense of human development or civic empowerment rather, these goals should be pursued in tandem.
Strengthening armed forces and enhancing readiness can coexist with a strong commitment to peaceful diplomacy, conflict prevention and regional cooperation.
True national security is built not only through military capability but also through equitable growth, inclusion and constructive international engagement.
