Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Calls Defence Spending a Strategic Investment
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the 2025 Controllers’ Conference of the Defence Accounts Department in New Delhi, underscored the critical importance of agility, financial precision, and indigenous capability in India’s defence planning.
Citing the global recognition of Indian systems post-Operation Sindoor, he stated that the valour displayed and successful deployment of domestic equipment have significantly raised international interest in Indian defence products.
 |
| Image Source: RajnathSingh on X |
Emphasizing the volatility of today’s geopolitical climate, he warned that "peace time is an illusion," and urged the system to prepare for sudden shifts in financial and operational demands.
Framing defence expenditure as an economic investment with multiplier impact, Singh urged integration of Defence Economics into budgeting, highlighting that India's rising self-reliance aligns with global military spending trends, which reached $2.7 trillion in 2024.
He pointed to India’s readiness to manufacture larger engines domestically, reinforcing the goal of defence production in Indian hands.
He praised reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that moved India towards Aatmanirbharta, noting the increasing use of digital tools like Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which crossed ₹2 lakh crore in defence procurement.
He also lauded SPARSH, the faceless pension platform covering 32 lakh veterans, as a testament to digital reform and respect for service.
Reiterating that defence readiness depends on timely, error-free financial execution, Singh warned that small missteps in accounting can impact soldiers’ access to critical resources.
He called for the transition to faceless, time-bound payment systems to boost private sector confidence.
Singh parted by urging the department to remain “alert, agile and adaptive,” ensuring India’s defence preparedness keeps pace with evolving challenges and opportunities.