Parliamentary panel backs IAF after Operation Sindoor, urges higher Army capital budget

A parliamentary defence panel praised the Indian Air Force for precision strikes and indigenous technology integration during Operation Sindoor, citing strong operational readiness. It also commended the Indian Army’s role in national security and called for Army capital spending to match regional trends. The report notes 2025 emergency procurement for drones and surveillance.

India

-Krishna Kripa

A parliamentary defence panel has praised the Indian Air Force and Indian Army for their roles in Operation Sindoor. The committee said the IAF carried out precise strikes using advanced aircraft and indigenous systems. It also said the Army acted decisively to protect national security. The report was presented in Parliament on Wednesday.

The committee linked the operation’s outcomes with the need for steady defence investment. It said India’s spending should match rising defence budgets in neighbouring countries. It also said the Army’s capital budget should support deterrence against adversaries during any hostility. The panel stressed that preparedness needs sustained funding.

Operation Sindoor and defence budget planning

The panel urged the Defence Ministry to back future budgets that bring in modern weapon systems. It also called for required infrastructure upgrades. The committee said this would help maintain the Army’s speed and coordinated response. It also said these steps should strengthen readiness across different security situations.

The committee again highlighted the IAF’s performance during Operation Sindoor last year. It said rapid deployment, accurate targeting, and close coordination with ground forces helped mission success. The panel said hostile infrastructure was degraded during the operation. It also said these capabilities show why modern air power funding matters.

The panel urged the ministry to provide enough money for new aircraft and related systems. It said the IAF needs “latest advanced aircraft, weapons and equipments\” for current geopolitical challenges. The committee linked this support with stronger preparedness. It also said combat capability should rise \”to a significant level\”.

Operation Sindoor and emergency procurement provisions

The report said emergency procurement provisions were granted in 2025 after Operation Sindoor. It said these covered both capital and revenue procurement. The committee said the aim was to strengthen capability development. It added that the approach was being used to speed up key acquisitions.

The panel said, \”The Committee are also happy to know that emergency procurements are being utilised for acquiring drones, counter-drones, weapon systems, precision ammunition, electronic warfare and surveillance systems, it says.\” It treated these purchases as part of a wider capability push. The report placed this within post-operation steps.

Operation Sindoor and theatreisation with Joint Staff

The committee said work on theatreisation has been moved faster through a tri-service effort. It noted a dedicated team of officers from all three Services. The team works under the Chief of Integrated Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee CISC. The panel said Joint Staff efforts have reached an advanced stage.

The report said three Joint Staff Officers study global military models and hold discussions. It said these steps aim to streamline reorganisation. The committee also noted common operational planning and technology work. It mentioned harmonising intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, plus pooling remotely piloted assets.

The panel said it was pleased that the Services are working towards one goal. It cited joint standard operating procedures and a joint military civil fusion doctrine. The committee linked these steps with stronger integration. It described these moves as supporting the broader reorganisation process.

Operation Sindoor panel report and Sainik Schools dropout rates

In a separate report on Sainik Schools, RIMC and Rashtriya Military Schools, the panel flagged dropout rates. It said five-year average dropouts were 6.93 per cent in Sainik Schools. It put Rashtriya Military School at 6.96 per cent. It listed Rashtriya Indian Military College at 7.1 per cent.

The committee said seats become vacant when cadets leave mid-course. It said such seats stay empty until the next entrance examination. The panel said this wastes government resources through idle seats. It also said fewer candidates get chances to join the NDA course, and asked action.

The committee urged steps for girls cadets at RIMC. It asked the ministry to act in a time bound manner. It listed administrative infrastructure, dormitories, and related facilities. The panel said this support would aid physical and mental faculties for later induction into the armed forces.

The panel also asked the ministry to revisit land criteria for opening new Sainik Schools. It noted the first Sainik School began in 1961. It said there are currently 33 such schools across the country. The committee placed the review within efforts to improve planning and outcomes.

The reports presented in Parliament on Wednesday covered both operational readiness and training institutions. The committee praised actions during Operation Sindoor and linked them with funding, procurement and integration needs. It also raised concerns about dropouts and vacant seats in military schools. The panel set out recommendations for budgets, infrastructure and policy review.

With inputs from PTI