Rather than working in silos, the Army and the govt must look at the fastest way possible to realise Field Artillery Rationalisation Programme, designed in 1999.
Current constraints, including a 9.5% fiscal deficit, make it tough for the Modi govt to give states more sectoral funds beyond the 41% share recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
The 15th Finance Commission has recommended a Rs 2.38 lakh crore non-lapsable fund for modernisation in 2021-26. But the overall defence budget in FY22 is up only 1.5%.
Forces cite ongoing LAC standoff with China to point out the desperate need for defence modernisation. But experts say not much room for significant jump.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
Both the governments expressed their commitment to strengthening their maritime cooperation to strengthen the maritime safety and security framework in the region.
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