India has emerged as the world’s fifth largest military spender in 2025, with defence expenditure rising to USD 92.1 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026.
The report noted that India’s spending grew by 8.9 percent compared to 2024, placing it behind the United States, China, Russia, and Germany in global rankings.
SIPRI highlighted the “unusually severe” military crisis between India and Pakistan in May 2025, when India carried out strikes on Pakistani air and missile bases. The confrontation underscored the volatility of South Asia’s security environment.
India’s nuclear arsenal was estimated at 190 warheads as of January 2026, while Pakistan’s stood at around 170. Both nations continue to modernize their delivery systems, raising concerns about regional stability.
Globally, military spending reached USD 2.9 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth. The United States topped the list with USD 954 billion, followed by China at USD 336 billion.
SIPRI warned that rising reliance on nuclear weapons and expanding arsenals worldwide increase the risks of miscalculation and escalation.
India’s defence modernization continues to focus on long-range capabilities aimed at countering China, while maintaining deterrence against Pakistan.
Despite efforts to boost domestic production, India remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, reflecting its push to balance self-reliance with urgent security needs.
