India’s defence research budget not sufficient to make it a global power: Parliamentary panel

A parliamentary panel examining India’s defense budget has underscored concerns over its inadequacy for the country’s aspirations to attain global leadership. According to a report by ET, the committee proposes a doubling of the defense research budget in the forthcoming years. Specifically focusing on the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the panel advocates for an increase in research allocation from the current 5.38% to a range of 8-10% of the total budget.

In assessing India’s research and development expenditure relative to developed nations, the committee asserts that while the current funding percentage suffices for achieving self-reliance and national security, it falls short for realizing global leadership ambitions.

The committee also expresses apprehensions regarding the allocation and utilization of funds for research and development activities within DRDO. Notably, it observes a decline in the research and development percentage from 6.59% in 2010-11 to 5.38% in the present budget. Additionally, the panel raises a red flag concerning the allocation of 25% of the budget, approximately Rs 1300 crore, to the private sector. This shift in allocation has resulted in a reduced funding pool available for DRDO’s projects, raising concerns about the organization’s ability to meet its objectives effectively.