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| India defence budget comparison 2025 with China and Pakistan” |
India, the world’s largest democracy and a rising economic power, is navigating a highly complex security environment. With territorial disputes along its northern and western borders, tensions in the Indian Ocean Region, and growing global military competition, strengthening national defence is no longer optional it is essential.
Currently, India’s defence budget stands at roughly $80 billion, making it the third-largest in Asia, after China and Japan. However, in comparison with its GDP growth, strategic responsibilities, and military modernization requirements, this budget is inadequate. Experts suggest that India should target a defence budget of $100 billion or more, allowing the nation to maintain credible deterrence, modernize its armed forces, and secure its strategic interests.
Geopolitical Challenges Facing India
Tensions on the Northern Borders
India shares a 3,488 km border with China and a 3,323 km border with Pakistan, both regions historically prone to military confrontations. Incidents like the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 highlighted the need for rapid troop deployment, advanced surveillance, and enhanced infrastructure along disputed areas.
Key Statistics:
India deploys around 225,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has ~1.6 million active troops, giving it numerical superiority along contested areas.
Increasing the defence budget allows India to:
Construct permanent border roads, bridges, and rail connectivity for troop mobility.
Procure modern artillery, tanks, and surveillance equipment.
Strengthen airpower and quick-reaction forces in high-altitude regions.
Growing Threats in the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a theater of strategic competition, with China pursuing the “String of Pearls” strategy and Pakistan aiming to expand its naval footprint. The region is crucial for global trade and energy supply routes.
A larger defence budget will allow India to:
Expand its naval fleet, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and stealth frigates.
Enhance anti-submarine and missile defense capabilities.
Invest in surveillance drones, maritime radars, and satellite monitoring systems.
Emerging Threats from Non-State Actors
Terrorist organizations, insurgent groups, and cybercriminals continue to threaten India’s security. Increasing budget allocation ensures enhanced intelligence capabilities, counter-terrorism forces, and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Case in Point: The 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks exposed gaps in rapid mobilization and intelligence sharing. A higher budget would directly improve preparedness and response efficiency.
Modernization of Armed Forces
Indian Army: Modernization Imperative
The Indian Army is transitioning from a conventional force to a high-tech, agile, and well-equipped fighting force. However, much of its hardware, such as tanks and artillery, is 30–50 years old.
Budget Utilization:
Procure modern MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) like T-90 upgrades and indigenous Arjun tanks.
Acquire long-range artillery and precision-guided munitions.
Implement AI-driven battlefield management systems and real-time intelligence networks.
Indian Air Force: Ensuring Air Superiority
Air dominance is critical in modern warfare. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a mix of 4th-generation fighters, with several squadrons below sanctioned strength.
Key modernization steps:
Induct 5th-generation jets like the Rafale and the upcoming AMCA.
Expand drone and UAV reconnaissance capabilities.
Upgrade airbases, radar systems, and missile defense networks.
Fact Check: India plans to maintain at least 42 fighter squadrons, but currently operates 32–34 active squadrons, highlighting the need for expansion.
Indian Navy: Projecting Power
The Indian Navy is tasked with protecting sea lanes and projecting power in the IOR. Budget expansion will allow:
Commissioning of new aircraft carriers and stealth frigates.
Expansion of submarine fleet, including nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
Enhanced maritime surveillance and anti-piracy operations.
Strategic Note: The Indian Navy is transitioning toward a 3-carrier fleet, essential for regional deterrence and crisis response.
Technological Advancements and Indigenous Development
Strengthening the Defence Industrial Base
India’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence requires investment in domestic manufacturing. Increased funding allows:
Expansion of DRDO research programs.
Development of missile systems, electronic warfare platforms, and AI-based weaponry.
Growth of private defence startups, boosting innovation and employment.
Cybersecurity and Space Warfare
Modern warfare increasingly involves cyber, space, and electronic domains. India must invest in:
Cyber commands to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
Space-based reconnaissance and communication networks.
Satellite defense systems to detect and neutralize threats from space.
Example: The creation of the Indian Defence Space Agency (DSA) emphasizes the strategic importance of space in military planning.
Economic and Strategic Justifications
Defence Budget as a Percentage of GDP
India currently spends ~2% of GDP on defence, while China spends ~4% and the USA around 3.5%. Increasing India’s defence budget to 2.5–3% of GDP ensures:
Funding for modernization programs.
Maintenance of active and reserve forces.
Strategic investments in infrastructure and R&D.
Boosting the Economy through Defence
Higher defence spending is not just strategic it is economic. Benefits include:
Job creation in manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure.
Growth of high-tech industries and startups.
Promotion of Make in India initiatives, reducing dependency on foreign imports.
Fact: According to a 2023 SIPRI report, increasing domestic defence manufacturing could generate over 200,000 jobs annually.
Regional Security Dynamics
China-India Defence Competition
China’s military budget exceeds $250 billion, enabling rapid modernization. India must increase spending to maintain credible deterrence, particularly along its northern borders.
Strategic parity ensures India can:
Protect its borders.
Negotiate from a position of strength.
Counter Chinese influence in the IOR.
Pakistan Factor
Pakistan’s military relies heavily on nuclear weapons and asymmetric warfare. India’s defence expansion allows:
Modernization of missile defense systems.
Maintenance of a nuclear triad for strategic stability.
Enhanced counter-terrorism and intelligence capabilities.
Example: India’s Agni-V missile system ensures credible long-range deterrence.
Recommendations for Effective Use of Defence Budget
Increasing the budget alone is insufficient; strategic allocation is essential:
Modernization over Quantity: Prioritize advanced systems over outdated ones.
Indigenous Development: Invest in domestic manufacturing for long-term self-reliance.
Cyber and Space Security: Allocate funds for modern domains of warfare.
Border Infrastructure: Build roads, bridges, and logistics for rapid troop deployment.
Personnel Welfare: Ensure competitive salaries, training, and healthcare for armed forces.
Conclusion: Securing India’s Future
India is at a critical juncture in its strategic evolution. Increasing the defence budget to $100 billion or more is not merely a policy choice it is a national security imperative.
By investing in modernization, technology, and indigenous capabilities, India can safeguard its borders, deter adversaries, and maintain its position as a regional and global power. A robust defence budget is not an expense it is an investment in India’s sovereignty, stability, and prosperity.
Policymakers, defence strategists, and citizens must recognize the urgency of increasing India’s defence budget. The time to secure the nation’s future is now.
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