Why has India increased its defense budget?
India has raised its defence budget by 9.5%, allocating $78 billion for the year 2025.
The Modi government’s latest budget reveals that defence spending now constitutes 8% of the country’s GDP, making India the fourth-largest defence spender globally, following the United States, Russia, and China.
According to international media reports, the budget includes $5.6 billion for the acquisition of new fighter jets and $2.8 billion to enhance the naval fleet.
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Despite over 80 million people in India living below the poverty line, the country continues to prioritise military expansion, further fuelling regional tensions with its aggressive defence policies.
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