FM Nirmala Sitharaman Cites Operation Sindoor To Defend A Decade Of Defence Investment And Reforms
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has pointed to Operation Sindoor as a direct outcome of India's sustained defence spending and reforms over the past ten years, emphasizing that the nation's security remains non-negotiable. Addressing the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026, she underscored the critical balance between welfare demands and national security, a complex challenge faced by every Finance Minister.
From Shortages to Strength: A Defence Transformation
Sitharaman vividly recalled a period when Indian soldiers faced severe shortages, including a lack of basic equipment like bulletproof jackets and adequate ammunition. She contrasted this with the present, highlighting how far India's defence capabilities have progressed, with Operation Sindoor serving as a tangible example of this enhanced preparedness. The operation, she noted, demonstrates the effectiveness of consistent investment in modernizing the armed forces.
Navigating Fiscal Challenges and Future Priorities
The Finance Minister also addressed the fiscal pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a once-in-a-century crisis. She explained that the government chose to borrow heavily to save lives rather than impose additional tax burdens on citizens. With economic growth now returning, Sitharaman stated that the government's priority is to responsibly reduce debt while ensuring India remains secure, resilient, and prepared in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Her remarks reinforce the government's commitment to maintaining robust defence funding as a cornerstone of national strategy, ensuring that India can respond decisively to emerging threats and challenges on the world stage.
