Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the Defence Budget 2026–27, presented in the aftermath of the successful Operation Sindoor, underlines the Government’s firm resolve to build a robust and foolproof national security system. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allocating ₹7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector, describing the outlay as a decisive step towards strengthening India’s security while maintaining a balance between development and self-reliance.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister said the budget augments the security-development-self-reliance framework and reinforces the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. He noted that modernisation of the Armed Forces remains a key focus of the government’s defence planning.
Singh said that over ₹2.19 lakh crore has been provided under the capital head for the Defence Forces in 2026–27. Of this, ₹1.85 lakh crore has been earmarked specifically for capital acquisition, representing an increase of around 24 per cent over the capital acquisition allocation in 2025–26. He added that the enhanced capital budget would significantly boost India’s military capabilities and accelerate the modernisation of defence platforms and equipment.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the government’s continued emphasis on the welfare of veterans and their families. He said an allocation of ₹12,100 crore has been made for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), marking a 45.49 per cent increase over the Budget Estimates for 2025–26. This, he said, reflects the government’s strong commitment to providing quality healthcare to ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Congratulating Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting what he termed an “excellent” budget, Singh said it had been prepared under the guidance of PM Modi and meets public sentiments and expectations. He added that the budget lays a strong foundation for achieving the goals of self-reliance and inclusive development, with provisions aimed at uplifting all sections of society.
Singh further said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation continues to gather momentum. He described the Union Budget 2026-27 as a “Yuva Shakti-driven Budget” that seeks to convert aspiration into achievement and potential into performance.
Referring to the three ‘Kartavyas’ highlighted in the Budget, the Defence Minister said the priorities focus on accelerating and sustaining economic growth, fulfilling people’s aspirations and ensuring meaningful participation for all. Together, he said, these measures will drive inclusive development, promote manufacturing, create sustainable infrastructure and ensure that the benefits of growth reach every section of society, especially the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged.
