Afghanistan, Feb. 2 -- India has increased defense spending to 86 billion dollars for 2026, citing modernization needs and continued regional security tensions with neighboring concerns.
India announced a defense budget of about 86 billion dollars for the 2026 fiscal year, up from roughly 81 billion dollars allocated previously.
The largest increase targets weapons procurement and modernization programs, with capital expenditure rising to 23 billion dollars, marking an 18 percent annual increase.
Officials link the budget expansion to last year's military confrontation with Pakistan and concerns that tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors could continue.
Defense analysts say additional funds are aimed at strengthening air, nav...