Q1. With reference to India's Union Budget 2026-27 defence allocation, consider the following statements: 1. The defence allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore represents the highest-ever allocation in absolute terms. 2. Approximately 75% of the Capital Acquisition budget is reserved for procurement from domestic industry. 3. The allocation makes India the world's third-largest military spender after the US and China. 4. The Rafale deal under evaluation involves procurement of 114 fighter jets from France. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. (1) ₹7.85 lakh crore is the highest-ever defence allocation in absolute terms — a 15% rise over FY 2025-26. (2) Approximately 75% of the Capital Acquisition budget is reserved for domestic industry procurement under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence policy. (4) India is evaluating a ₹3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets from France — India's largest-ever proposed defence procurement. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: According to IISS, the allocation makes India the FOURTH-largest military spender globally, not third. Russia (third) still spends more than India on defence. The order is: US > China > Russia > India.
