FICCI Urges Higher Defense Budget for 2026, Focus on Self-Reliance & Tech Innovation

• FICCI recommends increasing the defense budget in Budget 2026, citing global uncertainty and strategic necessity.
• Special emphasis is needed on technology-based defense innovation to counter adversaries' advanced military technologies.
• Advocates for greater 'self-reliance' in defense, preparing for future multi-domain, information-centric warfare.
• Suggests increasing capital expenditure for the Ministry of Defense to 30% and establishing an East India Defense Industrial Corridor.
• Calls for a Rs 10,000 crore increase in DRDO's budget and establishing a Defense Export Promotion Council.

Why It Matters: FICCI pushes for a significant defense budget hike in 2026, prioritizing self-reliance and tech innovation.