India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on November 28, 2025, plans to seek a nearly 20% increase in the defence budget for FY26, building on the current Rs 6.8 lakh crore allocation to bolster military modernization and operational readiness amid a challenging neighbourhood. This strategic push addresses the dip in defence spending as a percentage of GDP—currently at 1.9%—aiming to elevate it toward 2.5% while prioritizing domestic procurement exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore to foster self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The enhancement underscores India’s resolve to counter regional threats through advanced acquisitions like helicopters, patrol vessels, and fighter jets, ensuring robust border deployments and technological superiority for national security.