Operation Sindoor: Budget booster for the defence sector… The army made the country proud, the government opened its treasury

Indian Army- Photo: PTI

Indian Army’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ showcased India’s defence power against Pakistan. During the standoff with Pakistan, India’s strong air defence system neutralised almost every incoming missile and drone.

After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, war like situations were seen between India and Pakistan. During this time India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to destroy the terrorist bases located in Pakistan. Sources have said that after ‘Operation Sindoor’, the defense budget is expected to increase further, in which money will be spent on the purchase of new weapons and ammunition as well as technology.

An additional provision of ₹50 thousand crore has been proposed through the supplementary budget. It may get approval in the winter session of Parliament.

The additional allocation is expected to make provision for the needs of the armed forces, necessary purchases and research and development. This year, a record Rs 6.81 lakh crore was allocated in the Union Budget for defense, which is 9.53 percent more than the previous financial year. The defense budget has increased nearly three times in the last 10 years since the NDA government came to power.

India’s strong air defence system

The defence budget in 2014-15 was Rs 2.29 lakh crore. This year Rs 6.81 lakh crore has been allocated, which is 13.45% of the total budget. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the superiority of India’s defence capabilities over Pakistan. During the standoff with Pakistan, India’s strong air defence system neutralised almost every incoming missile and drone.

Apart from the long-range Russian S-400 ‘Triumph’ systems, India deployed the Barak-8 medium-range SAM systems and the indigenous Akash system to thwart Pakistani drones and missiles. Battle-proven air defence systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns (Low-Level Air Defence Guns) were also used.

‘In the 21st century war…’

Demonstrating the capabilities of India’s advanced weapons in Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi praised the achievement in his address on 12 May. Narendra Modi said, “During this operation, the reliability of our Made-in-India weapons was firmly established. The world now believes that the time has come for Made-in-India defence equipment in the 21st century war.”

Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor

On 22 April 2025, Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked tourists and civilians in Pahalgam, which was considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in India after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The attack further strengthened India’s zero tolerance policy.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, in which the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy coordinated and destroyed terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. This operation not only destroyed the terrorist infrastructure but also gave a clear message to Pakistan that India will not tolerate any terrorist activity.

Following this operation, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on 15 Indian military installations in Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot and Amritsar on the night of 7-8 May. However, the integrated efforts of the Indian Navy, Air Force and Army completely foiled these attacks. The Indian Navy neutralised Pakistani air elements in the sea area using its Carrier Battle Group and advanced air defence system.