India wants a bigger defense budget for 2025-26
India is planning to ask for almost 20% more money for its defense budget next year, aiming to boost military strength as regional tensions rise.
The current budget is ₹6.81 lakh crore (about $81 billion), which is 1.9% of the country's GDP.
Why the big jump?
Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh explained, "We are in a particularly tough neighborhood. Will be asking closer to 20% higher allocation in coming budget."
He pointed out that, while India usually gets a 10% bump each year, spending isn't keeping up with needs or inflation—and there's room to grow.
Focus on 'Make in India' and new ways of working
India now spends 75% of the modernization budget at home, beating its own target and pushing hard for self-reliance.
The plan: increase local manufacturing and give private companies a bigger role—25% of the domestic procurement share is set aside just for them.
There's also talk about blending public sector stability with private sector speed to modernize faster.