Union Budget 2021: Will Nirmala Sitharaman boost defence spending?

Major General Yash Mor (Retd), who served in south Kashmir and Punjab in counter-terrorist operations, has suggested that the Union Budget 2021 should look to improve on defence spending. 

He told Asianet Newsable, "The world is facing the global pandemic crisis and India is in double whammy because we also have a huge crisis with China on northern borders. The standoff is likely to continue and China is looking at becoming more belligerent in times to come. Therefore, the budget has to balance — the economic factor which we all understand as also the threat perception on our borders."

"In next 10 years, all the three services are going to require major replacement or upgrade of their weapon systems, modernisation has to be a continuously thought of. Therefore, the finance minister has to look at the allocation of budget for defence with this view for at least 10-15 years thinking ahead."

"Make in India is a great initiative but to do that we simplify the procedure, make it easier for India to become a defence industry hub," he added.