The Congress-led UPA has always considered the safety and security of each and every citizen of the country with paramount importance. The ten years of UPA rule saw a considerable increase in expenditure on national security and defence, with an increase from 77,000 crore in 2004-05 to 1,93,407 crore in 2012-13.

The UPA government modernized the armed forces with advanced weaponry and equipment, strengthened border infrastructure, and enhanced intelligence capabilities. The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) was established to integrate intelligence data across agencies, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) was launched to modernize police infrastructure nationwide.

Coastal security was significantly strengthened post-26/11 with the establishment of coastal radar stations, maritime command centers, and enhanced naval patrolling. The UPA also established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a specialized counter-terrorism unit.