India needs to increase its defence budget

The Vibrant Networking Forum, founded by former IAS officer Vivek Atray, successfully hosted 'Hobnob 2025', an engaging and impactful networking event designed to promote dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across diverse professional and creative sectors.

- HT Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: The event drew a gathering of thought leaders, industry experts, changemakers, and innovators for a full day of meaningful exchanges and community building.

While addressing the audience on 'Operation Sindoor', former army chief General VP Malik (retd) said, "The Indian government needs to increase its defence budget to enhance both its offence and defence during the war and conflicts with Pakistan as whatever action we take, Pakistan will definitely retaliate to it and to think that they would not do anything, then we are wrong. Not only with Pakistan, but India needs a strong defence system to fight with other countries, including China." While discussing India's political aim and if India was prepared for immediate escalation from Pakistan, Malik said, "If India's aim was only about hitting the terror targets, then I am afraid that we went wrong somewhere because they should have expected right from the beginning that there may be retaliation from the Pakistan side. I am not sure what was given but our military aim flows from the political gate. Political direction tells you what is to be done. If you go wrong in your political aim then I am afraid that you may also go wrong in military aims."