ISLAMABAD -- A $3 billion increase in defense expenditure may not qualify as a phenomenal sum for countries in the developed world, but it is a move that is certain to be at the center of the continuing security debate in South Asia.
In the days since the Indian government announced its plan to increase its annual defense budget by almost $3 billion, or 28 percent, in the next financial year, the issue of New Delhi's military expenditure has caught the attention of South Asia watchers.
The rise represents the steepest defense-spending increase in India's history. While that may alarm many outside India, officials in New Delhi are quick to add that some of the new funds will go toward replenishing outdated equipment while other costs will include beefing up the temporary border -- or Line of Control -- between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.