Defence & Security

BRO (Border Roads Organisation) builds and maintains strategic roads in border areas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Arunachal, Sikkim, NE states). Post-Galwan (2020), pace increased sharply. Key projects: Atal Tunnel (Rohtang, 9.2 km — world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft, 2020), Sela Tunnel (Arunachal, 2024). 90 bridges constructed in FY2024. China has built extensive road/rail infrastructure on its side of the LAC — India is accelerating to match. Source ↗

Capital expenditure covers procurement of weapons, aircraft, ships, and equipment. Revenue expenditure (salaries, pensions, operations) is roughly 2× capital. India's defence budget as a % of GDP has stayed near 2% — below the NATO 2% guideline on a PPP-adjusted basis, India's defence spend ranks 3rd globally. Modernisation pace has been criticised for delays in procurement and large import dependency (still ~60% by value). Source ↗

India now exports to 85+ countries. The Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative (2020) created positive indigenisation lists banning imports of 400+ items. Private sector now accounts for ~20% of total defence production. The ₹1.75 lakh crore defence production target for FY2024-25 was largely met. Quality certification and after-sales service capacity remain challenges for scaling up. Source ↗

The Positive Indigenisation Lists (4 lists: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) ban import of specified defence items, mandating procurement only from Indian manufacturers. 509 items as of June 2024 cover: artillery guns, assault rifles, helicopters, corvettes, submarines, sonar systems, transport aircraft, and ammunition. Aim: Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Domestic defence production crossed ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY2024. Concerns: timelines for development of some items are stretched; quality certification and supply chain depth need improvement. Source ↗