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Thursday, August 14, 2025
TopicDefence budget

Topic: Defence budget

Defence budget 2024 is disappointing. It’s inadequate to prepare India for 2.5 front war

High-technology wars of the 21st century cannot be fought with a military structured for the 20th Century.

Even if Agnipath is scrapped, India needs tough reforms to cut ballooning defence pensions

The mounting defence pension burden lingered until Agnipath came in 2022. But any steps to cut pension costs now will take 15 years to make an impact as retiring Agniveers reduce annually

Global military expenditure grew by 7% in 2023, steepest rise since 2009, says Swedish think tank

It said that NATO member countries’ spending totaled 55% of world’s expenditure. Top spenders into 2023 were US, China & Russia, said Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

China to boost defence spending by 7.2% as it hardens stance on Taiwan

In a government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang Tuesday, China adopted a tougher language, removing any mention of ‘peaceful reunification.’

India can be a major drone hub—if it learns to take risks, accept losses

The cost of the US-India drone deal raises a question—could some portion of this amount could have been better spent on indigenously developing and producing smaller drones?

Marginal hike in interim defence budget, but 0.38% contraction compared to revised estimates

Defence budget is 2.09% of the GDP compared to 2.17% this fiscal. While both Army & the Navy failed to spend the full amount allocated to them, the IAF spent more than its allocation.

Defence expenditure is no ‘sunk cost’. It is a dangerous assumption to make

Increased allocations for defence should be seen through the prism of peace and development, with expenditure considered as an investment that yields handsome returns.

India earmarks 75% of defence capital budget for domestic firms

Armed forces will have to prioritise Indian entities when placing orders for procurement. Move will strengthen security grid & bolster economy, said defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Budget 2023: Defence gets 13% more than last yr. Pensions & salaries almost half of funds pie

Capital budget increased to Rs 1.62 lakh crore from 1.52 lakh crore. Navy, Army see substantial increase but allocation for procuring aircraft, aero engines goes down.

Budget 2023: Defence eyes big boost for more firepower, submarines, drones

Private sector is also hoping for a high budgetary allocation for defence capital expenditure since it will translate into more acquisition programmes fructifying.

On Camera

Trump is swinging on Russia again. What this means for Europe’s security architecture

The dynamics between Europe and Russia have gone so south that mending fences looks like an uphill task—even as the US swings between sanctions and olive branches.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

India, US troops to undertake joint military exercise next month, first after Op Sindoor

21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.