Is India Ready to Enhance Its Military Strength with a Rs 50,000 Cr Budget Increase after 'Operation Sindoor'?

New Delhi, May 16 (NationPress) India’s Defence preparedness is poised for a significant boost, with sources from the government suggesting a potential increase of Rs 50,000 crore in the military budget following the triumph of 'Operation Sindoor'.

A report by NDTV, citing government insiders, revealed that these additional funds are likely to be included in a supplementary budget later this year, which could elevate the total defence expenditure beyond the Rs 7 lakh crore milestone for the first time.

The Union Budget for 2025–26, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, had already allocated a historic Rs 6.81 lakh crore for Defence. This figure represents a substantial 9.2 percent increase from the preceding year’s Rs 6.22 lakh crore.

If this additional funding is sanctioned, it will reinforce the government's commitment to military modernization and national security.

Sources have indicated that the supplementary funds will be directed towards crucial sectors such as research and development, procurement of sophisticated weaponry, replenishment of ammunition reserves, and acquisition of cutting-edge military equipment.

The proposal is anticipated to be presented for parliamentary approval during the upcoming Winter Session.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, defence expenditure has experienced a remarkable upward trend.

In the 2014–15 fiscal year, the Defence Ministry was allotted Rs 2.29 lakh crore. The current budget not only eclipses this figure but also signifies the largest allocation among all ministries, accounting for 13 percent of the national budget.

The momentum for this proposed increase follows 'Operation Sindoor', India's robust military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

This operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, highlighting India’s advancing military capabilities and strategic determination.

'Operation Sindoor' has also spotlighted the integration of indigenous defence systems with advanced technologies by the Indian military.

Significantly, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of India’s air defence framework, particularly the indigenous Akash missile system, which is often likened to Israel’s Iron Dome.

In a related update, India tested a novel anti-drone weapon named Bhargavastra. This system is designed as a cost-effective counter-drone solution operating in 'hard kill' mode, using micro-rockets to neutralize aerial threats.

The system successfully completed trials at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha, earlier this week, with officials affirming that all testing objectives were accomplished.