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New Delhi, February 2 :
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that India will not compromise on national security.
She spoke at the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026. Sitharaman highlighted the government’s consistent defence investment over the past decade. She cited Operation Sindoor as proof of stronger defence preparedness.
“The country’s defence cannot be compromised. Operation Sindoor shows how investments made over the last ten years have helped,” she said.
Sitharaman Recalls Challenges Faced by Armed Forces
Sitharaman recalled her tenure as Defence Minister. She said soldiers once lacked basic equipment.
“Our soldiers did not have bulletproof jackets. They carried guns, but they did not always have ammunition,” she said.
She added that the government has strengthened defence capabilities through continuous funding and policy reforms.
Government Balances National Security and Farmers’ Welfare
Sitharaman said the government must balance national security with farmers’ welfare.
“The nation needs security. Farmers also need fair prices for their produce. Consumers want affordable food. The government steps in with subsidies when needed,” she said.
She stressed that managing such competing demands remains the biggest challenge for every Finance Minister.
Sitharaman Says Tax Hikes Are Not the Only Solution
The Finance Minister said tax increases do not always solve funding needs. She referred to the COVID-19 pandemic as a once-in-a-century crisis.
She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose not to burden citizens with higher taxes during the vaccination drive.
“The Prime Minister did not want even one rupee of extra tax on citizens. Saving lives came first,” she said.
Focus Shifted to Debt Reduction After Recovery
Sitharaman acknowledged that the government borrowed heavily during the pandemic.
She said the government shifted its focus to debt repayment after economic recovery began.
“Once growth returned, we worked to reduce debt so future generations would not carry the burden,” she said.
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