If your space agency is operated by a bunch of military guys who are xyz engineering graduate then you are not going anywhere. It's not funding that matters, it's the number of scientists. So, instead of talking about funding space mission, talk about funding in collages or universities especially dedicated universities. Let the agency be run by scientists or make a space agency exclusively with scientists holding the position of powers.
Also, stop comparing yourself with others, there is no space race. Indian space race with others is a perceived one, we don't have the kind of funding of NASA, CNSA, ESA etc... but our scientists are doing exemplary work with what they have.