Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, chaired a meeting of the Defence Ministry's Parliamentary Consultative Committee in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, focusing on the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces, border security, and emerging defence challenges. The meeting, held away from Delhi in a region of high strategic significance along India's western border, was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), senior military officials, and Members of Parliament.

Why Jaisalmer Was Chosen

Singh explained that holding committee meetings outside Delhi serves two distinct purposes. First, it gives members dedicated, uninterrupted time for substantive interaction — a luxury that parliamentary sessions rarely afford. 'Normally, when meetings are held during Parliament sessions, it is extremely difficult to even spare an hour for a meeting,' he noted.

Second, and more strategically, meeting in border regions allows policymakers to directly assess ground realities. 'Holding meetings in these regions gives us an opportunity to understand ground realities, as well as the situation in border areas and forward locations,' Singh said. Jaisalmer was selected on the recommendation of committee members themselves, he added.

Modernisation at the Core of the Agenda

The central theme of the meeting — 'Modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces' — was described by Singh as particularly timely. He underlined that fast-shifting geopolitical dynamics worldwide are directly reshaping India's security priorities. 'The geopolitical changes taking place across the world naturally influence our security-related priorities as well,' he said.

Singh also highlighted the value of the Consultative Committee process itself, saying member recommendations have demonstrably strengthened defence decision-making. 'I have personally experienced that the meetings of the Consultative Committee and the suggestions made by all of you are extremely beneficial for all of us,' he said.

Defence Budget and Self-Reliance Push

The Defence Minister disclosed that the government has raised the defence budget for 2026-27 to ₹7,85,000 crore, while also ensuring fuller utilisation of allocated funds. He emphasised that the government is actively encouraging domestic manufacturing and pushing ahead on self-reliance in defence production — a broader policy thrust that dovetails with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' framework in the defence sector.

Strategic Context of the Jaisalmer Meeting

The choice of Jaisalmer is not incidental. The region sits on India's western frontier and has historically served as a critical theatre for defence preparedness. Holding a high-level parliamentary consultation here signals an intent to ground policy discussions in operational realities, particularly as India navigates a complex security environment that includes evolving situations on both its western and northern borders.

This comes amid sustained government emphasis on capital expenditure in defence, indigenisation targets for military procurement, and ongoing modernisation of air, land, and maritime capabilities. The committee's recommendations from the Jaisalmer meeting are expected to feed into upcoming procurement and policy decisions.