Monday, 19 May, 2025
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New Delhi’s defence strategy emphasises technology, readiness, and strategic positioning over sheer military size. Advanced fighter jets, naval assets, and artillery enhance deterrence, solidifying its role as a global military leader.
India’s targeted strike on terror camps across the border in Pakistan early Wednesday is not just a military action—it is a resolute statement that the era of impunity for cross-border terrorism is over. The attack, which came in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 innocent tourists, highlights New Delhi’s right to defend its citizens and sovereignty in the face of persistent threats originating from across the Line of Control (LoC).
Far from being an act of aggression, the strike was a proportional, precise response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure, not targeting civilians or provoking war. The operation demonstrates India’s growing capability to act decisively and responsibly balancing firmness with restraint. Also, it signals that patience has limits, and that terrorism, wherever it originates, will be met with strength.
Wednesday’s response is further legitimised by the global shift toward zero tolerance for state-sponsored terror. Nations have the sovereign right—and the moral responsibility—to protect their people, especially when diplomacy has repeatedly failed to deter attacks. New Delhi’s action aligns with that principle.
At the same time, India's efforts to modernise its defence capabilities—evidenced by the Rs 63,000 crore deal for Rafale Marine jets and a defence allocation of Rs 6.8 lakh crore in the Budget 2025–26—demonstrate its commitment to long-term preparedness, deterrence, and maintaining regional stability. This approach is not driven by aggression but reflects a clear strategic vision in response to an evolving and complex security landscape.
In acting firmly, the Centre has reasserted its national will and sent a message that peace cannot be built on the foundations of fear and appeasement. Stability in South Asia demands accountability, and India has shown it is willing to lead by example.
India’s military prowess and strategic investments in defence highlight its growing dominance, particularly in comparison to its regional counterparts. New Delhi’s commitment to defence spending far surpasses Islamabad’s allocation of Rs 64,082 crore (1.7% of its GDP), underscoring India’s superior military capabilities. This disparity in defence spending reflects India's broader strategy of building a robust and modern military infrastructure that enhances its national security and positions it as a regional power.
New Delhi’s military strength is not just about the financial investment; it’s reflected in the sheer scale of its combat-ready forces. With over Rs 42 lakh troops, nearly 4,000 tanks, and a formidable array of aircraft and naval assets, India boasts a military infrastructure that far exceeds Pakistan’s capabilities, with its 964,000 personnel and 2,687 tanks. This quantitative advantage is complemented by the qualitative leap in technology and modernisation, as seen with the acquisition of advanced Rafale Marine jets from France.
India’s defence strategy is not just about maintaining a larger military force; it is also about making forward-thinking investments in technology, military readiness, and strategic positioning. The country’s emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, including advanced fighter jets, naval assets, and artillery systems, bolsters its deterrence capabilities and positions it as a global military leader.
The scale of India’s defence capabilities, combined with its economic strength, positions it as a stabilising force in the region. The strategic military investments are not only aimed at ensuring national security but also asserting the country’s influence on the global stage. In a volatile and often unpredictable geopolitical landscape, India’s superior military strength and financial stability make it a clear leader in South Asia and a key player in global security dynamics.
With an eye on future challenges and a readiness to confront any security threats head-on, India’s growing military and economic influence is indisputable. This strategic foresight will continue to drive India's global standing, reinforcing its position as a dominant and reliable power in the world.
According to Global Firepower’s 2025 military strength rankings, India is ranked as the fourth-strongest military power globally, while Pakistan holds the 12th spot.
In terms of military spending, India is the fifth-largest spender in the world. In 2024, India allocated $86 billion to its military, which amounts to 2.3 per cent of its GDP, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). For comparison, Pakistan spent $10.2 billion on its military in 2024, constituting 2.7 per cent of its GDP.
