Defence Modernisation Must Match Current Realities: PM Narendra Modi on Budget 2026
- MGMMTeam
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of aligning India’s defence modernisation efforts with present-day security challenges, highlighting the significant rise in defence allocation under the Union Budget 2026. He stated that strengthening the armed forces is not only a national priority but also a long-term strategic necessity in an increasingly uncertain global environment. His remarks reflect the government’s broader focus on preparedness, technological advancement, and self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Record Defence Allocation Signals Strategic Intent
The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated approximately ₹7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector, marking one of the highest increases in recent years. This substantial rise demonstrates the government’s intent to accelerate military modernisation while ensuring operational readiness across land, air, and naval forces. A major portion of the allocation has been directed toward capital expenditure, which includes procurement of advanced weapon systems, modern equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.
Over the past decade, India’s defence budget has steadily grown, reflecting a sustained policy shift toward strengthening national security. The latest allocation is seen as a continuation of that trajectory, aiming to address emerging threats while maintaining a credible deterrence posture in the region.
Preparing for Future Warfare and Technological Transformation
Modern warfare is increasingly shaped by technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, unmanned systems, and precision-guided weaponry. The government’s modernisation strategy focuses on acquiring next-generation fighter aircraft, naval platforms, advanced missiles, drones, and surveillance technologies. Such investments are intended to ensure that India’s armed forces remain capable of responding effectively to both conventional and non-conventional threats.
The emphasis on technology also extends to research and development, with increased support for indigenous innovation and collaboration between defence institutions and private industry. Strengthening domestic capabilities in emerging technologies is considered essential for reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and achieving long-term strategic autonomy.
Push for Self-Reliance and Domestic Manufacturing
A key pillar of India’s defence strategy is the promotion of indigenous manufacturing under the broader vision of self-reliance. Policies encouraging domestic production, defence corridors, and private sector participation have contributed to the growth of India’s defence industrial ecosystem. Increasing domestic procurement not only strengthens national security but also generates employment, boosts exports, and enhances technological expertise within the country.
India’s defence exports have witnessed notable growth in recent years, indicating rising global confidence in locally manufactured defence equipment. The government aims to further expand this momentum by encouraging innovation, improving supply chains, and facilitating industry partnerships.
Economic Strength as a Foundation for National Security
The Prime Minister also emphasised that economic growth and national security are closely interconnected. A strong economy enables sustained defence investments, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. Improvements in manufacturing, services, and industrial capacity have positioned India to negotiate global partnerships from a position of strength while simultaneously supporting defence preparedness.
Infrastructure projects in border regions, including roads, tunnels, and connectivity networks, are also part of the broader security framework. These initiatives enhance military mobility while contributing to regional development and economic integration.
The MGMM Outlook
The emphasis by Narendra Modi on aligning defence modernisation with present realities reflects a recognition that national security challenges are evolving faster than ever before. The significant rise in allocation demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that India is not only prepared for conventional threats but also equipped to handle emerging domains such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and unmanned combat systems. Strengthening military capabilities alongside technological innovation indicates a strategic shift toward long-term preparedness rather than short-term responses, reinforcing deterrence and operational readiness.
The push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing also signals a broader transformation in national policy, where economic strength, industrial growth, and security objectives are interconnected. Expanding domestic production, encouraging private sector participation, and increasing exports can create a sustainable defence ecosystem that reduces external dependence while generating employment and technological expertise. Investments in border infrastructure and research further complement this approach, suggesting that national security is being viewed through a comprehensive lens that integrates military capability, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy.
(Sources: India Today, Times of India, Moneycontrol)
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