Defence allocation and China threat: In this budget, FM will have to bite the bullet – The Economic Times

The unexpected new front opened by the Chinese in Ladakh in 2020 has multiple repercussions for India - from the tactical to the strategic level. However, the sharpest short-term impact will be it straining the already stretched defence budget of the three armed forces . The year gone back has brought massive operational challenges that led to the army and air force resorting to emergency purchases for things ranging from ammunition to winter weather clothing and small arms. A precise figure has not been put to the excess in spending, but the army has already moved the government for an…