Budget 2026 Boosts Intelligence and Border Security

The Union Budget 2026–27 marks one of the largest-ever investments in India’s internal security architecture, with a sharp focus on intelligence gathering, border infrastructure, and police modernisation. Presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Budget underlines the government’s intent to strengthen national security capabilities amid evolving internal and external threats.

Record Allocation for Internal Security

Under the Union Budget 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has received a net allocation of ₹1,73,802.53 crore for police and internal security for FY27. This represents a 7.1 per cent increase over the revised estimates of the previous year. Capital expenditure has seen a dramatic jump of 84 per cent to ₹21,272.47 crore, signalling a decisive shift towards long-term infrastructure creation, technology upgrades, and modern equipment for security forces.

Intelligence Bureau and Technology Push

The allocation for the Intelligence Bureau has risen sharply to ₹6,782.43 crore, compared to ₹4,013.19 crore in FY25. A major highlight is capital expenditure, which has surged more than eight-fold to ₹2,549.54 crore. This indicates a strong emphasis on advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and intelligence-gathering technologies. While funding for the National Intelligence Grid has moderated, officials suggest this reflects a transition from infrastructure build-up to operational consolidation.

Border Infrastructure and CAPF Strengthening

Border infrastructure has received a major boost, with ₹5,266.51 crore earmarked for construction projects such as fencing, border roads, observation towers, floodlighting, and high-tech surveillance along sensitive frontiers. The seven Central Armed Police Forces will together receive ₹1,16,789.30 crore, an increase of over 11 per cent. Significant gains are seen for forces guarding the northern and western borders, reflecting heightened strategic focus on border management and rapid deployment capabilities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Capital expenditure for internal security rose by 84 per cent in Budget 2026.
• Intelligence Bureau capital outlay increased more than eight-fold.
• Border infrastructure funding crossed ₹5,200 crore for FY27.
• CAPFs received the highest-ever combined allocation.

Women’s Safety, Forensics and Police Modernisation

The Budget adopts a multi-pronged approach by significantly enhancing allocations for women’s safety, forensic modernisation, and police reforms. Funding for forensic capacity modernisation has been raised to ₹500 crore, alongside higher allocations for the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System to enable seamless data sharing across police, courts, and prisons. Centrally sponsored schemes for police modernisation in states have also been scaled up, reinforcing the shift towards technology-driven, evidence-based, and responsive law enforcement across the country.