NEW DELHI: Following what foreign media described as India’s “worst defeat at Pakistan’s hands,” the Modi government has announced a historic increase in the defense budget, further fueling concerns over rising militarization in the region.
According to international reports, the Modi administration — described as being gripped by “war frenzy” — has increased India’s defence budget by 15%, which is said to account for 1.9% of India’s GDP.
The Indian government is expected to spend $85.4 billion on defence this year.
The allocation for the purchase of new weapons has also been increased by 21%, reflecting a major push for arms procurement.
However, analysts quoted in foreign media claimed that India’s military aircraft have become ineffective, while much of its weaponry has turned obsolete, suggesting that even a 15% increase may not bring meaningful improvement.
In another significant development, India’s budget has reportedly allocated no funds for Iran’s Chabahar Port for the first time.
Foreign media claimed that under US pressure, India has stepped back from further investment in the Chabahar project — a move being seen as a major shift in its regional strategy