GST or “God-Sent Tax” Praised for Funding India’s Defense Amid Rising Border Tensions

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has again been in the limelight, this time with a firm backing of one of Assam’s top political leaders, who called it a “God-Sent Tax.” It was said as a rebuttal to ceaseless criticism from the opposition, especially the Congress party, that has consistently attacked the tax regime since its inception.

The top government official attributed GST with having helped India raise funds for huge defense purchases like the Rafale fighter aircraft and the S-400 missile defenses. In its statement, it said that high-value defense acquisitions are facilitated by the resilience of India’s tax base, which GST plays an integral part in consolidating the country economically while sustaining its defense and development.

This defense of GST occurs in the context of rising tensions between India and Pakistan along the border. The timing of the comments coincides with news of heightened hostilities between the two countries, including a recent military operation conducted by Indian troops. According to media reports, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror camps based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under the operation codenamed ‘Sindoor’. In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly carried out missile strikes on several Indian cities, though all were intercepted successfully by India’s air defense systems.

The endorsement of GST also served as a rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s long-standing criticism of the tax structure. Gandhi has in the past referred to GST as the “Gabbar Singh Tax,” blaming the ruling party for going off course from the initial idea of coming up with a “Genuine Simple Tax.” In his previous statements, he had cited more than a thousand changes in the tax system in the last five years and said that it created significant difficulties for small and medium enterprises. He also suggested a reformed “GST 2.0” under a Congress government and supported a unified, single-rate system.

The Assam leader dismissed these accusations, saying GST has not only made India’s economy stronger but has also helped in the formation of national security. The indirect tax is painted as a force for economic unification that has provided the central government with the resources needed to upgrade military infrastructure and invest in strategic defense assets.