INDIA AMONG TOP GLOBAL MILITARY SPENDERS

INDIA AMONG TOP GLOBAL MILITARY SPENDERS

Why in the News?

  • India has emerged as the 5th largest military spender globally in 2025, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report.
  • India’s defence expenditure reached $92.1 billion, reflecting a significant increase amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

Key highlights of the report

  • Global ranking: India stands behind the United States, China, Russia, and Germany.
  • Spending growth: India’s military expenditure rose by 9% year-on-year in 2025.
  • Global share: India accounts for 2% of total global military spending.
  • Regional comparison:
    • China’s spending increased to $336 billion.
    • Pakistan ranked 31st with $11.9 billion, showing an 11% rise.
  • Global concentration: Top three countries (USA, China, Russia) together account for over 50% of global defence spending.

Implications for India and global security

  • Strategic preparedness: Rising expenditure reflects India’s need to modernise armed forces and maintain readiness amid regional tensions.
  • Geopolitical competition: Increased spending by neighbours like China and Pakistan signals intensifying security dynamics in Asia.
  • Defence modernisation: Focus on technology, indigenous production, and advanced weapon systems aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.
  • Economic trade-off: High defence spending may impact fiscal priorities, balancing development and security needs.
  • Global trend: Indicates a broader rise in militarisation and security concerns worldwide, especially after recent conflicts.

SIPRI and military expenditure

●      About SIPRI: A Sweden-based independent institute tracking global peace, conflict, and defence expenditure trends.

●      Military expenditure: Includes spending on armed forces, procurement, R&D, pensions, and operations.

●      Indicators: Used to assess security priorities and geopolitical alignments of nations.

●      Trends: Global military spending has been consistently rising due to conflicts and strategic rivalries.

●      UPSC relevance: Important for international relations, defence preparedness, and security analysis (GS Paper II & III).