Bangladesh, Dec. 30 -- India has approved a fresh round of defense acquisitions worth approximately $8.8 billion, underlining New Delhis determination to rapidly modernize its armed forces amid rising regional tensions and fast-changing modes of warfare. The decision, cleared by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) on December 29 under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, spans a wide array of systems for the army, navy, and air force, ranging from rockets and radars to drones, missiles, and advanced aviation safety equipment.

Officials say the latest approvals are designed to significantly enhance Indias combat readiness, surveillance capability, and force protection, particularly in light of recent confrontations and th...