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| INS Teg - Indian Navy Frigate |
By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI
NEW DELHI — India will increase spending on naval forces in the next 10 years but is unlikely to raise total defense spending above the current level of a little under 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), despite encouragement to do so from some experts, said an official of India’s Planning Commission.
A Defence Ministry official said buys of weapons and equipment, worth $100 billion, will be made in the next seven to 10 years from both domestic and overseas sources. The purchases will focus on “maritime security, increase in firepower assets for mountain warfare, precision guided munitions — ground-based and air-to-ground, military intervention capabilities,” said Gurmeet Kanwal, retired Indian Army brigadier general and defense analyst.
Defense spending on sea-based assets will increase as the Navy will need to add warships to maintain a fleet strength of about 140; maintain three aircraft carriers; and purchase additional submarines, aircraft and helicopters.
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