India has raised its defense budget by 9.5%, allocating $78 billion for the year 2025. The Modi government’s latest budget reveals that defense spending now constitutes 8% of the country’s GDP, making India the fourth-largest defense 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.
Despite over 80 million people in India living below the poverty line, the country continues to prioritize military expansion, further fueling regional tensions with its aggressive defense policies.