The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India stands as a pillar of national security, tasked with ensuring the defence of the country and its territorial integrity. With a vast organizational structure and a budget that ranks among the highest in the government, the MoD oversees the Indian Armed Forces—comprising
- The Indian Army,
- The Indian Navy, and
- The Indian Air Force—along with
- The Indian Coast Guard
and numerous supporting departments and organizations.
Headed by the Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister), currently Shri Rajnath Singh, the MoD provides the policy framework and resources necessary for the Armed Forces to fulfill their responsibilities in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) operates under the overarching authority of the Cabinet, with the President of India serving as the ceremonial Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
As of FY 2025-26, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated a record Rs 6,81,210.27 crore, reflecting a 9.53% increase from the previous year and underscoring its critical role in achieving the vision of a developed, self-reliant India—or ‘Viksit Bharat’—by 2047.
This article explores the MoD’s historical evolution, its key departments, and their functions.
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Historical Background
The origins of the MoD trace back to the colonial era under the East India Company. In 1776, a Military Department was established in Kolkata to manage army-related orders.
Over time, its structure evolved: in 1906, it split into the Army and Military Supply Departments, which merged again in 1909 under the Army Department. Renamed the Defence Department in 1938, it became the modern Ministry of Defence in August 1947, post-independence, under a Cabinet Minister.
Since then, the MoD has grown to meet India’s defence needs. Key milestones include the establishment of the Department of Defence Production in 1962, the Department of Defence Research and Development in 1980, and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in 2004. In 2019, the Department of Military Affairs was created to enhance coordination among the services, reflecting India’s commitment to modernizing its defence apparatus.
Organizational Structure
The MoD comprises five key departments, each headed by a secretary, and a Finance Division to manage budgetary oversight. Together, they address policy, operations, production, research, welfare, and financial management. The Defence Secretary, as the senior-most civil servant, coordinates these departments, ensuring alignment with government directives.
| Department | Head | Established | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Defence (DoD) | Defence Secretary | 1947 | Defence policy and budget |
| Department of Military Affairs (DMA) | Chief of Defence Staff | 2019 | Military operations and jointness |
| Department of Defence Production (DDP) | Secretary (Defence Production) | 1962 | Defence manufacturing and procurement |
| Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) | Secretary (DDR&D) | 1980 | Research and technological innovation |
| Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) | Secretary (ESW) | 2004 | Welfare of veterans and their families |
Key Departments and Their Functions
1. Department of Defence (DoD)
The Department of Defence, led by the Defence Secretary, is the backbone of the MoD’s administrative and policy functions. It is responsible for:
- Formulating defence policies and coordinating their implementation.
- Managing the Defence Budget (Rs 6,81,210.27 crore for FY 2025-26).
- Overseeing establishment matters, parliamentary affairs, and defence cooperation with foreign nations.
Administering organizations like the Indian Coast Guard, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).
The DoD ensures that the Armed Forces have the resources and policy support needed to safeguard India’s borders, which span over 15,000 km across diverse terrains.
2. Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
Established in 2019 and headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), currently General Anil Chauhan, the DMA focuses on military operations and inter-service coordination. Its key functions include:
- Managing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Promoting ‘jointness’ among the three services to optimize resource use and enhance combat effectiveness.
- Overseeing operational preparedness and strategic planning.
The creation of the DMA marked a significant reform, aiming to streamline military decision-making and integrate efforts in domains like cyber and space warfare.
3. Department of Defence Production (DDP)
The Department of Defence Production, formed in 1962, drives India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Led by the Secretary (Defence Production), it oversees:
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- Ordnance Factories, now corporatized into seven entities.
- Private sector participation in defence production, with Rs 1,11,544.83 crore earmarked for domestic procurement in FY 2025-26.
The DDP’s efforts have bolstered indigenous production of equipment, from fighter jets to submarines, reducing reliance on imports and boosting the economy.
4. Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D)
The DDR&D, established in 1980 and headed by the Secretary (DDR&D), focuses on technological innovation through the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Its responsibilities include:
- Developing advanced defence systems, such as missiles, drones, and AI-based technologies.
- Allocating Rs 26,816.82 crore in FY 2025-26, with Rs 14,923.82 crore for capital expenditure on R&D.
- Supporting startups via schemes like the Technology Development Fund (TDF).
DRDO’s innovations, like the Agni missile series and Tejas aircraft, exemplify India’s growing technological prowess in defence.
5. Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW)
Created in 2004, the DESW ensures the well-being of approximately 34 lakh veterans and their families. Led by the Secretary (ESW), its key functions are:
Managing the Defence Pension Budget (Rs 1,60,795 crore in FY 2025-26), including the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, revised in July 2024.
Administering the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), with Rs 8,317 crore allocated for healthcare in FY 2025-26.
Supporting resettlement and rehabilitation through the Directorate General of Resettlement and Kendriya Sainik Board.
The DESW reflects the government’s commitment to honoring its veterans’ service.
Finance Division
The Finance Division, headed by the Financial Adviser (Defence Services), ensures fiscal discipline. It:
- Exercises financial control over the Defence Budget.
- Conducts internal audits and manages accounting of defence expenditure.
- This division ensures that funds, like the Rs 1,80,000 crore Capital Outlay for FY 2025-26, are utilized effectively.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Budget and Modernization
The FY 2025-26 budget emphasizes modernization, with Rs 1,48,722.80 crore for capital acquisitions and a 75% focus on domestic sourcing. This supports acquisitions like long-endurance drones and next-generation submarines, aligning with global warfare trends.
Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)
The MoD’s push for indigenous production, backed by schemes like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) with Rs 449.62 crore, encourages startups and private industries to innovate in defence technology.
Infrastructure Development
The BRO, with Rs 7,146.50 crore, strengthens border infrastructure, while the Indian Coast Guard, allocated Rs 9,676.70 crore, enhances coastal security with advanced equipment.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The MoD faces challenges like geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, and the need for sustained funding. However, its ‘Year of Reforms’ in 2025-26 aims to simplify procurement and integrate emerging technologies like AI and robotics. By 2047, the MoD envisions India as a global defence leader, balancing military strength with economic growth.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Defence of India, through its five departments and robust financial framework, plays an indispensable role in securing the nation and fostering self-reliance.
From equipping the Armed Forces with cutting-edge technology to honoring veterans, the MoD’s multifaceted efforts reflect its commitment to a strong, prosperous India.
As it launches its ‘Year of Reforms,’ the MoD signals its resolve to transform India into a global defence powerhouse by 2047.
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