While the United States of America continues to dominate with a $895 budget on defence spending, India has emerged fourth on the list the reflecting the country’s commitment to military modernisation.
China which is focusing on modernisation comes second in the list with a defencing spending of $266.85 billion while Russia has sett aside $126 billion to enhance its global influence.
India’s defence spending is at $75 billion. The main focus has been on modernisation, self-reliance in defence production and strategic preparedness.
Saudi Arabia at $ 74.76 billion, United Kingdom at $71.5 billion, Japan at $55.7 billion are at the fifth to seventh positions. Australia, France and Ukraine have earmarked $55.7 billion, $55 billion and &53.7 billion for defence spending.
India a force to reckon with
The Global Firepower Index ranks India at fourth which suggests that the country has cemented its position as a global military power. The PowerIndex score for India is at 0.1184.
The government of India has allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore or $75 billion to the Defence Ministry in the Union Budget for FY 2025. Accounting for 13.45 per cent this is now the highest funded sector of total government spending.
Further the Global Firepower Index ranks India among the world’s most formidable forces alongside the United States, Russia and China. Interestingly Pakistan which ranked 9th on the list in 2024 has now fallen to 12th.
“The nation benefits from its deep manpower base, financials, material qualities, and potential industrial output to remain the top global power,” Global Firepower said.
What are India’s military capabilities
The Indian Army has 1.45 million active troops, 1.15 million reserve and nearly 2.5 million paramilitary personnel. Some of the key assets of the Indian Army are the Arjun Tanks, BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems and T-90 Bhishma.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a fleet strength comprising 2,229 aircraft. These include 600 fighter jets (Rafale, Su-30MKI), 899 helicopters and 831 support aircraft. Its advanced weaponry comprise Rudram, Astra, BrahMos missile and Astra.
The Indian Navy has 142,251 personnel and its fleet strength comprises 150 warships and submarines which include INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers. Some of the strategic capabilities include nuclear submarines, P-8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft and there are over 50 new vessels which are under construction.
Rankings
The PowerIndex of the United States is at 0.0744 while Russia comes next at 0.0788. China with 0.0788 is at third while India at 0.1184 is at fourth.
The next on the list are South Korea, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey and Italy.
India has signaled a strong intent to have a powerful military. There are several geopolitical uncertainties that persist and hence it is important to focus on indigenous defence manufacturing, advanced weaponry and strategic preparedness. India has already shown its intent in doing so and the 2025 Union Budget which was presented earlier this month is an indicator of that.
