India’s Defence Budget Dynamics: Budget Outlay and the Question of Imbalance The evolution of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and standoff weapons have presented new challenges to defence and security systems worldwide. The evolving nature of technological and information warfare has expanded the horizon of modern-day conflict and compelled all nations to re-evaluate and rethink their Research and Development (R&D), defence policies, expenditure and technological capabilities. In this endeavour, the process of capacity and capability enhancement of the Indian Armed Forces is one major obstacle that India encounters, considering its large number of troops. The salaries, pensions, maintenance and other expenses consume nearly 70 per cent of India’s defence budget, leaving insufficient funds for other sectors that require more investment. In this study, we have attempted to address the imbalance of India’s defence expenditure with respect to modern-day technological advancement and threat perceptions. The study argues that the synergy between manpower and technology, which is vital for India’s national security, can be attained by understanding the noteworthiness of defence expenditure, the large size of troops and the capital outlay incurred on them. Rohit , L. Ram | April-June 2025 | Journal of Defence Studies
China’s Space-Based Surveillance Capabilities China has made notable progress in strengthening its space infrastructure to support space-based surveillance. Abhishek Kumar Darbey | | Issue Brief
Steel Dome: Türkiye’s Envisioned Layered Air Shield Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence system aims to reduce foreign dependence and protect critical infrastructure. Abhishek Yadav | | Issue Brief
Africa’s New Leadership and Resource Nationalism Africa’s new breed of leaders are renegotiating their role in the fast-changing world order with critical minerals as an important bargaining chip. Abhishek Mishra | | IDSA Comments
Trump’s Executive Order on Deep Seabed Mining: A Critical Assessment A new Executive Order signed by US President Donald Trump on 24 April 2025 calls for enabling US access to vast reserves of mineral resources on the deep seabed space. Bipandeep Sharma | | Issue Brief
UN Cyber OEWG Ends after Five-Year Run The UN has taken a step forward to institutionalise cyber diplomacy, but the success of the new mechanism depends on implementation and sufficient resourcing. Cherian Samuel | | Issue Brief
The Total Failure of the Recall Campaign in Taiwan The defeat of the recall motions against opposition KMT parliamentarians can be interpreted as the Taiwanese people’s message to the government to reconsider its security discourse. Prashant Kumar Singh | | IDSA Comments
How Imminent is the Next Israel–Iran War Some strategic experts fear there is a high probability of a renewed and expansive Israel–Iran war in the coming months. Adil Rasheed | | IDSA Comments
The Unease amid Newfound Warmth in Pakistan–Bangladesh Relations Pakistan–Bangladesh bilateral relations may be witnessing some warmth due to Bangladesh's changed domestic political situation, but the ghost of 1971 still casts a shadow. Ashish Shukla | | IDSA Comments
