India could build its third aircraft carrier, to be nuclear-powered, as part of a 15-year defence modernisation plan announced on Friday that also includes the use of Indian-made fighter jets by the navy for the first time. India currently operates two aircraft carriers, one of Russian origin and the other home-built. The proposed carrier is expected to be nuclear-powered, a first for India, for longer reach and stealthier operations. India has budgeted spending of about 6.81 trillion rupees ($77 billion) on defence this fiscal year. It is the world's fourth biggest defence spender after the United States, China and Russia, according to World Bank data.

Source: bd News24 September 05, 2025 12:44 UTC