India’s Defence Budget 2023-24: Decoding the Algorithm of Numbers Rahul Rawat, PhD scholar, Diplomacy and Disarmament division, School of International Studies, JNU The year 2023 holds significant importance for India's national security due to several factors. First, India faces an imminent threat and a serious challenge from its Himalayan neighbour, China. Second, India has undergone fundamental reforms like the AGNIVEER scheme meant to cut manpower and pensions costs in the long term to mobilise funds to build effective, more agile and technologically superior armed forces. Third, India’s theaterisation of commands and major acquisitions and indigenisation are in the pipeline, shaping the future trajectory of the warfighting capabilities of Indian armed forces. Given these compelling reasons, an increase in the overall defence budget and specifically the capital outlay part showcase the willingness of the government to manage national security challenges seriously. DECODING
