Latest news with #GlobalFirepowerIndex2025
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First Post
01-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India vs Pakistan military showdown: Who holds the real edge in 2025?
India ranks fourth in the Global Firepower Index 2025 with 1.46 million active troops and an $81 billion defence budget, while Pakistan ranks 12th with 660,000 personnel and a $10 billion allocation. India operates 2,229 aircraft, 4,201 tanks and 293 naval vessels — including two aircraft carriers — outmatching Pakistan's 1,399 aircraft, 2,627 tanks, and 121 naval assets read more Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In the aftermath, the Indian government initiated a series of retaliatory measures and strategic recalibrations, while Pakistan has also undertaken parallel steps that have further strained diplomatic ties. As both nations remain on high military alert, analysts warn that any misstep could push South Asia toward conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to the April 22 attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly authorised the Indian armed forces to independently decide the nature and timing of India's response. A detailed comparison of the two countries' military strength, defence budgets and nuclear arsenals reveals the scope of their capabilities and the balance of power in the region. Military size & manpower: India holds the numerical advantage India significantly outpaces Pakistan in terms of active military personnel, reserves, and paramilitary forces. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India ranks fourth globally, while Pakistan holds the twelfth position, having fallen from ninth. India fields approximately 1.46 million active troops with an additional 1.15 million in reserves, alongside 2.5 million paramilitary personnel. In contrast, Pakistan maintains 654,000 active soldiers, around 500,000 paramilitary forces, and according to another estimate, 291,000 paramilitary police. This demographic edge is supported by India's vast population, with nearly 24 million individuals reaching military age annually, compared to 4.8 million in Pakistan. This youthful demographic provides India with a deeper and more sustainable recruitment base for future force expansion. Defence spending shows a significant divide A major factor in the disparity between the two militaries lies in their respective defence budgets. India has allocated approximately ₹6.81 trillion ($79–81 billion) for FY2025–26, marking a 9.5 per cent increase from the previous year. This places India among the top five global military spenders. Pakistan's defence expenditure, by comparison, is considerably lower, with an estimated allocation of ₹2.28 trillion ($7.6–10 billion) for FY2025–26, reflecting a year-on-year increase of around Rs 159 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's greater financial bandwidth has allowed it to modernise its forces and diversify its procurement sources. Traditionally reliant on Russia, India has expanded imports from France, Israel and the United States. Domestic production has also risen, including projects involving aircraft carriers, submarines and helicopters. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the world's largest arms importer, while reducing its dependence on Russia — from 76 per cent of total imports in 2009–2013 to 36 per cent between 2019–2023. Pakistan, on the other hand, sources a dominant share of its military hardware from China. SIPRI data shows that 82 per cent of Pakistan's imports between 2019–2023 came from China, up from 51 per cent in 2009–2012. It also receives advanced systems and drones from Turkey, and has historical procurement ties with France and Russia. Land forces: Tanks, artillery and mechanised strength India holds a significant advantage in mechanised warfare platforms. Its ground force arsenal includes 4,201 tanks, notably the T-90 Bhishma and domestically developed Arjun series, as well as over 148,000 armoured vehicles — roughly three times Pakistan's count. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan operates around 2,627 tanks and 6,137 armoured fighting vehicles. In the artillery domain, India again leads with 11,225 pieces, in comparison to Pakistan's 4,619. Although Pakistan has a greater number of self-propelled artillery systems, the overall firepower and quantity of India's land systems afford it greater flexibility in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios. India vs Pakistan on air superiority India's air force is larger and better equipped across most parameters. It operates a total of 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale and indigenous Tejas fighters. Its fleet also comprises 899 helicopters, including attack and utility variants, and six aerial refuelling tankers. Pakistan, by contrast, operates 1,399 aircraft, which include 328 fighter jets — primarily the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder — and 373 helicopters. Pakistan has four aerial tankers. However, it surpasses India in the number of military trainer aircraft, with 565 compared to India's 351, aiding in faster pilot training cycles. Blue-water vs Green-water capabilities India's navy is significantly more capable, both in size and strategic depth. With 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — 13 destroyers and 18 submarines, India qualifies as a blue-water navy capable of operating across global maritime zones. Pakistan's naval fleet consists of 121 ships, with no aircraft carriers or destroyers and eight submarines. Its operational focus remains limited to the Arabian Sea, classifying it as a green-water navy primarily suited for coastal defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's larger maritime footprint supports its regional dominance in the Indian Ocean and enhances its strategic deterrence against both Pakistan and China. Nuclear arsenal and missile tech Both countries are nuclear-armed, with roughly 170 warheads each, as per the Arms Control Association. India's policy follows a declared 'No First Use' doctrine, while Pakistan retains the right to initiate a nuclear response if deemed necessary. India's delivery systems include the Agni series of missiles, with the Agni-V reportedly capable of hitting targets beyond 5,200 km — and up to 8,000 km, according to some assessments. India is also working on the Agni-VI, which is expected to further extend its intercontinental capabilities. Pakistan's missile arsenal includes the Shaheen-III, with a range of 2,750 km, and reportedly under development to surpass 3,000 km with assistance from foreign allies. Notably, Pakistan has also fielded the Nasr (Hatf-9) tactical nuclear missile, with a range of 70 km, allowing for battlefield-level nuclear deterrence. Both nations are working to develop triads for nuclear delivery — via land, air and sea — but India currently leads in range and platform diversity. Who has the better operational experience While India holds the numerical and technological upper hand, strategic constraints are not insignificant. A large portion of Indian troops are deployed along its northern border with China, which has been a flashpoint in recent years. Pakistan, meanwhile, focuses on its western frontier, managing spillover threats from Afghanistan. 'India's military is larger, but it has the strategic challenges of two borders to defend,' Bloomberg quoted Harsh Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, highlighting the multidimensional demands placed on Indian forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both nations have invested in surveillance and drone technology. Pakistan's military recently claimed to have downed an Indian surveillance drone along the Line of Control (LoC), showing how tactical engagements persist despite broader deterrence. Also Watch: India's superior economy and military infrastructure provide it with a commanding edge across most conventional parameters, while Pakistan relies on tactical nuclear capabilities and asymmetric strategies for deterrence. Although both countries have modernised their forces since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the present standoff serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly events can spiral. With inputs from agencies
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Business Standard
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India vs Pakistan military power 2025: Who leads on land, sea and air?
In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (April 29), reportedly authorised the Indian armed forces to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India's response. It was presented during a top-level meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The Pahalgam attack has escalated hostilities between India and Pakistan. India took strict actions in the aftermath, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border post, revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, and reducing diplomatic staff in Pakistani missions. Pakistan has responded by pausing the Simla Agreement, conducting missile tests along its coastline, and halting trade and visa services with India. The situation remains volatile, with both militaries on high alert and the risk of escalation considerable. With both armies on high alert, defence analysts have warned that any misstep or miscalculation could push the situation into open conflict. Here's a comparison of both nations' military capabilities. India's military power vs Pakistan in 2025: Personnel and budget India currently ranks fourth in the Global Firepower Index 2025, with Pakistan at number 12. India maintains around 1.46 million active military personnel, with an additional 1.15 million in reserve. Pakistan's active military strength stands at 654,000, backed by 500,000 paramilitary personnel. Also Read India also boasts a stronger defence budget—approximately $79 billion (₹6.81 trillion) for FY26, marking a 9.5 per cent year-on-year increase. In contrast, Pakistan's estimated defence allocation for the same fiscal year is $7.6 billion (₹2.28 trillion), reflecting a substantial financial gap impacting operational and modernisation capacities. Tank strength and armoured vehicles: India's edge on the ground India's armoured corps boasts more than 4,200 tanks, from the T-90 Bhishma to its indigenous Arjun variants, while Pakistan has around 2,627 tanks. The Indian fleet of 148,594 armoured vehicles also triples Pakistan's, indicating an obvious edge in mechanised ground combat. Air force comparison: India vs Pakistan fighter jets and aircraft India operates 2,229 military aircraft, including 513 fighter jets such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas. Being at 1,399 aircraft and 328 fighters, Pakistan falls behind noticeably in both quantity and in terms of capability. India also has an advantage when it comes to helicopter and air-refuelling platforms, at 899 helicopters to Pakistan's 373, as well as six aerial tankers to Pakistan's four. Although smaller in size, Pakistan's air force operates capable aircraft like the JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighters. However, Pakistan holds more military trainer aircraft — 565 compared to India's 351 — enhancing its training output. India's navy vs Pakistan's: Aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers India's naval fleet stands at 293 vessels, placing it sixth globally. Its assets include two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — 13 destroyers, and 18 submarines. These platforms enable India to project power beyond regional waters, qualifying it as a blue-water navy. Pakistan's navy, by contrast, operates 121 vessels without any aircraft carriers or destroyers, and maintains a submarine fleet of eight. Its limited operational scope along the Arabian Sea classifies it as a green-water navy, confined largely to coastal defence. Nuclear and missile capabilities: Agni vs Shaheen explained Both countries possess nuclear weapons and delivery systems. India's Agni-V missile, with a range exceeding 5,200 km, and ongoing development of the Agni-VI underscores its deterrent capabilities against both Pakistan and China. Also read: Pakistan's longest-range missile, the Shaheen-III, has a reach of approximately 2,750 km. Reports suggest efforts are underway to extend its range beyond 3,000 km, allegedly with technical support from China and Belarus. Demographic advantage: India's larger youth population and reserves India has the demographic advantage, with nearly 24 million people reaching military age annually compared to Pakistan's 4.8 million. This youth population provides India with a deeper and sustainable recruitment pool. India's paramilitary strength of 2.5 million further enhances its internal security and border management capabilities. Arms imports and suppliers: Who backs India and Pakistan militarily? India's defence imports are led by Russia, followed by France, Israel, and the United States. An increasing share is also being sourced from indigenous production. Pakistan, designated a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) by the US, relies heavily on China for military equipment, followed by supplies from Turkey, France, and Russia. Both nations are expanding their domestic defence industries. With both countries entrenched in high alert postures and diplomatic ties deteriorating, the risk of further escalation remains high. Indian officials have maintained that any further provocation will invite a calibrated but firm response. Pakistani authorities, on their part, have warned of reciprocal actions if sovereignty is challenged. Despite international calls for restraint, the situation remains volatile. The global community, including the United Nations and key Western powers, has urged both sides to avoid unilateral moves and resume dialogue.
