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

Defence research budget insufficient? A parliamentary panel on defence has highlighted that the current allocation in the Union budget is insufficient for India’s aspirations to become a global leader. The panel has recommended doubling the budget allocation over the coming years, according to an ET report.
In a report on the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the committee has emphasized the need to increase the allocation for research from the current 5.38% to 8-10% of the budget.
Comparing India’s budgetary spending on research and development with that of developed countries, the committee has noted that the current funding percentage is only adequate for India to achieve self-reliance (atmanirbharta) and protect itself. However, to fulfill its aspirations of becoming a global leader, the current percentage will not be sufficient, it said.The committee has also expressed concerns about the utilization of funds for research and development activities in DRDO without providing specific details. It has observed that the research and development percentage was 6.59% in 2010-11 and 6.6% in 2014-15, but it has gradually decreased to 5.38% in the current budget.
Additionally, the committee has pointed out that 25% of the budget, equivalent to approximately Rs 1300 crore, is now allocated to the private sector, leaving a smaller amount for DRDO’s projects.

Highlighting the importance of research and development for a robust modern defence mechanism, the committee has stated that the government must allocate sufficient funds for both in-house projects of DRDO and outsourcing defence research and development.
The report concludes that the budgetary grants for DRDO should be increased to enable India to become a global leader in the field of armament and new technology weapon systems. It further suggests that DRDO should be able to develop first-of-its-kind products, leading to India becoming a major exporter of arms and ammunition.