As Sardar KM Panikkar explained, India’s land-based invaders ultimately became natives. Its colonisers came by the sea—and they were successful because Indian rulers ignored the waters.
Increased allocations for defence should be seen through the prism of peace and development, with expenditure considered as an investment that yields handsome returns.
In FY 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh cr has been accorded by DAC. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any FY.
Navy’s budget will not increase because ours is a poor socialist country that needs money for corruption, freebies, subsidies, and loan waivers.