In a decisive move following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government is likely to allocate an additional ₹50,000 crore to the defence sector through a supplementary budget, taking the total outlay for FY 2025–26 beyond ₹7 lakh crore. The move signals India’s intent to further strengthen its military preparedness and accelerate the push for defence self-reliance.
Launched in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor showcased India's growing indigenous defence strength. Systems like the Akash air defence missile and the BrahMos cruise missile were pivotal in intercepting and neutralising aerial threats from across the border.
The defence budget, initially pegged at a record ₹6.81 lakh crore in February, may now receive a significant boost. According to a report by NDTV, the supplementary allocation is expected to be tabled during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The additional funds are likely to be directed towards weapons procurement, R&D, and upgrades in air defence systems.
The operation saw a 100-hour-long military face-off with Pakistan after Indian forces targeted terror camps across the Line of Control. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks, most of which were thwarted by India’s multi-layered defence network — including indigenous systems and S-400 missiles procured from Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation after the operation, said, “India’s counter-terror posture has permanently changed. We will act, and we will act decisively to defend our sovereignty.”
The success of homegrown systems has had ripple effects beyond the battlefield. India's defence exports surged to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, a staggering 34-fold increase from 2013–14. The Ministry of Defence has set an ambitious target to scale exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited this momentum to policy reforms and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “Our indigenous capabilities are not just defending the nation — they’re now empowering it. India’s defence sector is stronger than ever,” he said.
With over 1,700 export authorisations issued in the last year alone, India now supplies defence equipment to nearly 80 countries, establishing itself as a credible global supplier in the defence manufacturing space.
