NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the outcomes of Operation Sindoor demonstrated the effectiveness of defence reforms undertaken over the past decade, stressing that India must remain prepared at all times to address emerging security challenges.
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Modi said India’s growing global role makes defence modernisation essential, adding that the government has consistently focused on strengthening the armed forces through increased allocations, technological advancement and self-reliance.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated a record ₹7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector, marking a 15 per cent increase over the previous year and the largest share for any ministry. He said ₹1.85 lakh crore has been earmarked for modernisation, while nearly ₹2.2 lakh crore has been set aside as capital expenditure for the three armed forces, with 75 per cent reserved for procurement from domestic defence industries.
Modi said the reforms have strengthened security while also boosting employment and industrial growth, noting that defence exports have crossed ₹23,000 crore and indigenous defence production has reached record levels.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said the country is proud of the armed forces’ courage and professionalism, adding that defence modernisation and budgetary allocations are part of a long-term strategy rather than responses to specific events.
Responding to questions on whether higher defence spending reflects lessons from recent operations or concerns about neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Modi said India must remain strong and prepared at all times.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the government’s focus on the welfare of ex-servicemen, citing increased allocations for healthcare schemes and the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), fulfilling a long-pending demand.
Highlighting the role of innovation, Modi said the government has encouraged domestic industry and startups to contribute to defence capabilities, asserting that Indian talent must play a central role in strengthening national security.
Separately, Modi pitched India as a global hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, inviting global companies to invest in data centres and technology infrastructure. He said budgetary incentives aim to accelerate investments, create jobs and position India as a competitive destination for global data infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of data protection and digital governance, pointing to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 as a framework to ensure privacy and security while enabling technological growth.
Describing reform as a continuing process, Modi said his government has prioritised productive spending and infrastructure-led growth, adding that the latest Budget reflects a focus on long-term development rather than short-term populism.
