India Becomes World’s 5th Largest Military Spender: SIPRI

• 28 Apr 2026

On 27th April 2026, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India became the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025.

Key Points

• India’s Defence Spending:
  • Military expenditure reached $92.1 billion in 2025.
  • Defence budget rose by 8.9%.
• Global Ranking:
  • India ranked 5th globally.
  • Top five: US, China, Russia, Germany, India.
• Regional Driver:
  • India-Pakistan conflict (May 2025) cited as key factor.
  • Included use of aircraft, drones, and missiles.
• Pakistan’s Spending:
  • Increased by 11% to $11.9 billion.
  • Driven by aircraft and missile procurement from China.
• Global Trends:
  • Global military expenditure hit record $2.89 trillion.
  • 11th consecutive annual increase.
• Military Burden:
  • Global defence spending reached 2.5% of GDP.
  • Average 6.9% of government budgets spent on military.
• Major Global Shifts:
  • US spending fell 7.5% to $954 billion.
  • Europe’s spending rose 14% due to Ukraine conflict.
  • China increased spending by 7.4% to $336 billion.
• Strategic Implications for India:
  • Reflects military modernisation and regional security concerns.
  • Indicates heightened defence preparedness.