Swift & Strategic

India's defence budget needs to be enhanced to approximately 2.5 per cent of GDP as there are several critical capability gaps in the technological upgradation and modernisation of the Armed Forces

- ASHISH VOHRA VSM (RETD.)

Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, in response to the dastardly, heinous and religiously provocative terrorist attack on innocent Indian civilians in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Op Sindoor was a stupendous success and achieved its laid-down military objectives in less than four days. While the success of Op Sindoor should be celebrated for its decisiveness, highly professional and integrated execution, the Indian Armed Forces also need to do a comprehensive, honest, and unbiased analysis of the entire operation to draw the correct lessons and prepare for future more challenging battles.

A few enduring takeaways from Op Sindoor are highlighted in the succeeding paragraphs.

Defence Budget Enhancement The defence budget of India for financial year FY 25 is approx. USD 79 billion (fourth largest in the world), which is slightly less than 2 per cent of our GDP. However, it is significantly smaller than the defence budget of our Northern adversary (China) for FY 25, which is USD 245 billion. It needs to be enhanced to approximately 2.5 per cent of GDP as there are several critical capability gaps in the technological upgradation and modernisation of our Armed Forces. We need to develop disruptive or asymmetric capabilities for credible deterrence. 'Deterrence is costly, but wars are even costlier' is a well-known military adage. Presently, India cannot afford to get embroiled in an unnecessary conflict that diverts its focus from economic growth. India needs to wisely utilise its demographic dividend to accelerate technological, economic and military development and achieve its goal of becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.