On the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnav highlighted India’s significant strides in defence manufacturing and infrastructure over the past decade.
India’s Self-Reliance in Defence
Vaishnav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved self-reliance in the defence sector. Over the past 10 years, 70% of defence equipment has been produced domestically, and Indian-made defence equipment is now exported to 80 countries. Approximately Rs 25,000 crore worth of defence equipment has been exported, Vaishnav said.
Infrastructure Development
Vaishnav pointed out that while border infrastructure was neglected during the Congress regime, the current government has constructed over 6,800 kilometers of roads in border areas. Additionally, there have been significant improvements in telecom connectivity and optical fiber installations.
Honouring Soldiers
Vaishnav said that whereas the Congress government named places after a single family, the Modi government has honored brave soldiers by naming places after them.
Historic Budget Allocation for Defence
The Union Budget for 2024-25 has allocated a historic Rs 6,21,940 crore (approximately USD 75 billion) to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the highest allocation among all ministries. This includes an additional Rs 400 crore for the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, which supports start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators in developing cutting-edge defence technologies.
The budget represents an 18.43% increase over FY 2022-23 and a 4.79% increase over FY 2023-24. The allocation is divided as follows: 27.66% for capital expenditure, 14.82% for revenue expenditure, 30.66% for pay and allowances, 22.70% for defence pensions, and 4.17% for civil organizations under the MoD. This amounts to approximately 12.90% of the total Union Budget.
Modernization and Domestic Capacity Building
The capital budget for the defence forces is set at Rs 1.72 lakh crore, a 20.33% increase from FY 2022-23 and 9.40% higher than the revised allocation for FY 2023-24. This funding will address critical capability gaps through significant acquisitions in technology, weapons, aircraft, ships, submarines, and more.
To strengthen domestic capacity, the MoD has earmarked 75% of the modernization budget, amounting to Rs 1,05,518 crore, for procurement through domestic industries. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to capital formation.
Border Infrastructure and Coast Guard Support
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been allocated Rs 6,500 crore, a 30% increase from FY 2023-24, to improve strategic infrastructure and connectivity in border areas. Key projects include developing the Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh, bridge connectivity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and constructing important tunnels in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will receive Rs 7,651 crore, a 6.31% increase from FY 2023-24, with Rs 3,500 crore designated for capital expenditure. This will enhance the ICG’s capabilities in maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
