In a stark reflection of the growing military imbalance between South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neighbours, India’s defence expenditure in 2024 was nearly nine times higher than Pakistan’s, according to the latest report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday.
India’s military spending surged by 1.6% compared to the previous year, reaching an all-time high of USD 86.1 billion, securing its place as the fifth-largest defence spender in the world. Meanwhile, Pakistan's defence budget for the same period stood at just USD 10.2 billion, underscoring the widening gap in military capabilities between the two rivals, particularly amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in 2024.
The report, titled "Trends in World Military Expenditure 2024", sheds light not just on South Asia but on a shifting global security landscape, where defence budgets have ballooned in response to growing regional and global tensions.
India’s Rising Defence Investment
India’s steady increase in military spending reflects its broader strategic ambitions. Aimed at countering threats on multiple fronts — from border disputes with China in the north to enduring tensions with Pakistan in the west — India’s investments are channeled into modernizing its armed forces, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative, and strengthening its maritime and aerial capabilities.
The budget covers a broad range of defence acquisitions, including advanced fighter aircraft, naval warships, missile systems, surveillance infrastructure, and cyber defence capabilities. Major procurements, such as the Rafale Marine deal with France and indigenous production of new fighter jets, reflect India's push for both operational readiness and strategic autonomy.
Despite facing significant internal challenges, including the need for socio-economic reforms and infrastructure development, India's commitment to sustaining a robust defence posture demonstrates the government's strategic prioritization of national security.
The Stark Contrast with Pakistan
In contrast, Pakistan’s defence spending, though sizeable relative to its economy, remained significantly lower at USD 10.2 billion in 2024. Islamabad has faced growing fiscal challenges, including economic instability, external debt pressures, and domestic political turbulence, all of which have constrained its ability to allocate more resources toward military modernization.
While Pakistan has continued to invest in key areas such as missile development, counterterrorism, and border security, the SIPRI report emphasizes that the gap in conventional military capabilities between India and Pakistan is steadily widening — a trend that could have serious implications for the future balance of power in the region.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan’s reliance on asymmetric strategies, including tactical nuclear weapons and support for non-state actors, is partly a response to this conventional disparity.
Global Military Spending Trends
India’s rise to the fifth spot comes amid a broader global surge in defence spending. According to SIPRI, total world military expenditure rose to a record USD 1,635 billion in 2024. The top five spenders — the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India — collectively accounted for 60% of this total.
Among these, China stood out with a remarkable 7% increase in its defence budget, bringing its military spending to an estimated USD 314 billion. This marked the 30th consecutive year of growth for China, highlighting its relentless drive to modernize its armed forces, expand its global military footprint, develop sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities, and bolster its nuclear arsenal.
The SIPRI report noted that China alone accounted for half of the total defence spending across Asia and Oceania, underlining its centrality to security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Militarized Europe
Another key finding from the SIPRI report was the significant increase in military spending across Europe. Countries in Central and Western Europe recorded historic spikes in their defence budgets, responding to the protracted conflict in Ukraine, evolving security threats, and new NATO commitments.
Europe’s total military expenditure, including that of Russia, rose by 17% in 2024 to reach USD 693 billion. This dramatic surge has been a primary driver behind the global rise in defence spending, SIPRI noted.
Nations such as Germany, Poland, and France have embarked on large procurement drives, investing heavily in tanks, air defence systems, fighter jets, and cyber capabilities as part of a broader strategy to bolster deterrence against potential aggression.
Strategic Implications for India and the Region
India’s growing military strength is likely to have far-reaching strategic implications, not only for South Asia but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. Analysts argue that while India’s primary focus remains on defending its territorial integrity and maintaining regional stability, its rising capabilities could also enable a greater role in international security initiatives, including partnerships such as the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia).
However, the growing military imbalance between India and Pakistan also raises concerns about regional stability, particularly if it leads to heightened tensions or miscalculations along the Line of Control or elsewhere.
India’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized that its military expansion is defensive in nature, aimed at ensuring peace and stability through credible deterrence. Yet, as the SIPRI report shows, in an increasingly volatile world, military preparedness remains a crucial element of national security.
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