The Defence budget for 2024-25 witnessed an increase to Rs 6,21,940 crore from the previous year's outlay of Rs 5.94 lakh crore. The capital outlay has been pegged at Rs 1,72,000 crore.
This accounts for 12.9% of the total government budget for the financial year. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the highest-ever allocation to the Ministry of Defence.
Singh highlighted the 30% increase in allocation for Border Roads, amounting to Rs 6,500 crore, which will accelerate border infrastructure development.
To support the defence startup ecosystem, Rs 518 crore has been allocated to the iDEX scheme, funding technological solutions from startups, MSMEs, and innovators. This move aims to boost innovation and indigenization in defence industries. The interim budget presented earlier had pegged the defence budget at Rs 6.21 lakh crore.
"The capital outlay of Rs 1,72,000 crore will further strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces. Earmarking of Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for domestic capital procurement will provide further impetus to Atmanibharta," he said.
"I am pleased that Border Roads have been given 30 per cent increase in allocation over the last budget under the capital head. This allocation of Rs 6,500 crore to BRO will further accelerate our border infrastructure," he added.
Follow us
