In a concentrated effort to modernize its armed forces, the Defense Acquisition Council of India has approved 41 proposals at a cost of $19 billion since June, defense minister Manohar Parrikar told parliament in New Delhi this December. In July this year, Modi increased the limit on foreign direct investment in defense to 49 percent from 26 percent.
“I don’t recall the council clearing these many number of procurement proposals within six months and in four meetings,” Air Marshal R K Sharma, who has served in the air force for four decades, said in an interview in New Delhi on Dec. 4. “The indication from the government is that this trend in decision-making will continue.”
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
