India's Defense Budget Set for Significant Increase Post Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor is poised to significantly impact India's defense budget, potentially increasing it by ₹50,000 crores. This operation, which successfully targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan, has highlighted India's military capabilities and prompted a notable rise in defense spending. Following recent tensions, including the tragic Pahalgam attack, the Indian government is taking decisive steps to enhance its defense posture. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the reliability of indigenous weapons, marking a pivotal moment in India's defense strategy. Read on to discover the implications of these developments for India's national security.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 12:57 IST

Potential Boost in Defense Budget

According to government sources, Operation Sindoor could lead to an increase of ₹50,000 crores in India's defense budget. This additional funding, provided through a supplementary budget, would raise the total defense allocation to over ₹7 lakh crores. In the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 for the fiscal year 2025/26, a record amount of ₹6.81 lakh crores was earmarked for the armed forces. This year's allocation reflects a notable 9.2% rise from the previous year's budget of ₹6.22 lakh crores.

Operation Sindoor's Impact

Operation Sindoor showcased India's military superiority by successfully targeting nine terrorist camps within Pakistan without crossing the border. During heightened tensions with Pakistan, India's multi-layered air defense system, which includes indigenous technology, effectively neutralized nearly all incoming missiles and drones. In addition to the long-range Russian S-400 'Triumph' system, India deployed the Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile system and the indigenous Akash system to counter Pakistani drones and missiles. Proven air defense systems such as the Pichora, OSA-AK, and LLD guns were also utilized.

PM Modi's Remarks on Operation Sindoor

In response to the tragic killing of 26 individuals, including civilians, by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir last month, public outrage surged. Following several non-military measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, India initiated Operation Sindoor, conducting precise airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the operation in his address on May 12, highlighting the reliability of India's indigenous weapons. He stated that the world now recognizes the significance of 'Make in India' defense equipment in 21st-century warfare.

Tensions Following the Pahalgam Attack

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated significantly after the Pahalgam attack. A state of war appeared imminent between the two nations. However, after four days of intense missile strikes, a ceasefire was mutually agreed upon. The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, involved five armed terrorists targeting tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians. The attackers primarily aimed at Hindu tourists, but a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also among the casualties. Armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, the assailants infiltrated the tourist site in the Baisaran Valley, surrounded by dense cedar forests. This incident is regarded as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Although the ceasefire has averted immediate conflict, trust in Pakistan remains tenuous.