As tensions continue to rise between India and Pakistan, discussions about their military strength have gained prominence. Both nations are nuclear-armed, with significant regional influence and military capabilities. In this article, we will explore the military power of India and Pakistan, based on the latest rankings and military spending data for 2025.
Military Strength Rankings
India and Pakistan are both significant military powers, but their rankings differ greatly on the global scale. According to Global Firepower’s 2025 military strength rankings, India is the fourth strongest military power in the world, while Pakistan ranks twelfth. This difference highlights the disparity in the size, budget, and capabilities of their respective armed forces.
Military Spending
When it comes to military expenditure, India is one of the largest spenders globally. In 2024, India allocated approximately $86 billion to its military, making it the fifth-largest spender in the world. This accounts for about 2.3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
In contrast, Pakistan’s military spending is considerably lower. Pakistan’s defense budget for 2024 stood at $10.2 billion, or 2.7% of its GDP. While Pakistan’s military expenditure is proportionally higher than India’s, the total amount is significantly smaller, reflecting the difference in overall economic size and priorities.
Personnel Strength
India’s military personnel numbers far exceed Pakistan’s. The Indian armed forces boast a total of 5,137,550 personnel, making it one of the largest military forces in the world. In comparison, Pakistan’s military personnel totals 1,704,000. This means that India’s military force is nearly three times the size of Pakistan’s in terms of manpower.
Air Force Capabilities
In the domain of military aircraft, India also holds a decisive edge. India operates 2,229 military aircraft, compared to Pakistan’s 1,399. This significant difference in numbers gives India a stronger air capability, which is crucial for both defense and offense in modern warfare.
Tank Strength
When it comes to ground forces, India is similarly superior in terms of combat tanks. India has a total of 3,151 combat tanks, while Pakistan possesses 1,839. Tanks play a vital role in ground operations, and India’s larger fleet provides a substantial advantage in terms of mobility, firepower, and battlefield presence.
