Defence budget falls below 2% of GDP, emphasis on border infrastructure

The defence allocations for 2023-24 represent an enhancement of Rs 68,371 crore

For the first time in decades, India’s defence allocations have dropped below two per cent of the nominal gross domestic product (GDP).

Of the Union Budget’s total outlay of Rs 45,03,097 crore for financial year 2023-24, the Ministry of Defence has been allocated Rs 593,373 crore. This amounts to 1.97 per cent of GDP, or 13.2 per cent of government spending.

The defence budget includes an allocation of Rs 138,205 crore for defence pensions, which have fallen significantly for the first time this decade. Last year’s pension allocations were Rs 153,414 crore.

The defence allocations for 2023-24 represent an enhancement