Reacting to the recently unveiled Budget 2026, FICCI President Anant Goenka has voiced significant concerns regarding its approach to defence spending. In a critical assessment, Goenka highlighted that the budget could have placed a much stronger emphasis on defence, particularly in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and considering the ongoing global conflicts that shape today's security landscape.
Technology-Driven Warfare Demands Sustained Investment
Goenka pointed out that modern warfare is increasingly becoming technology-driven, which necessitates consistent and substantial investment in advanced defence capabilities. He emphasized that higher defence capital expenditure would have been crucial to accelerate military modernisation efforts. Furthermore, he stressed the need for stronger allocations dedicated to research and development within the defence sector to foster innovation and maintain a technological edge.
Keeping Pace with Evolving Battle Dynamics
Stressing the paramount importance of national preparedness, the FICCI President asserted that India must keep pace with rapidly changing battle dynamics and the continuous emergence of new defence technologies. His comments reflect a broader industry expectation for deeper defence reforms and a sharper, more focused approach on long-term security priorities in upcoming budgetary allocations.
The critique from a leading industry body like FICCI underscores a perceived gap between current budgetary provisions and the strategic imperatives required for robust national defence in a volatile global environment.
