India has secured 4th place in the Global Firepower Index 2025 (GFP Index). Meanwhile, Pakistan has dropped from 9th place in 2024 to 12th in the latest rankings.
Top Powerful Military Countries in 2025
India has secured 4th place in the Global Firepower Index 2025 (GFP Index), showcasing its military strength on the global stage. The ranking highlights India’s expanding defence capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most powerful military forces. Meanwhile, Pakistan has dropped from 9th place in 2024 to 12th in the latest rankings.
The Global Firepower Index 2025 evaluates military power based on over 60 parameters, including defence technology, financial resources, logistics, and strategic positioning.
The United States remains the most powerful military, followed by Russia and China, with India now occupying the 4th spot. Other countries in the top 10 include South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy.
India has made significant advancements, particularly in self-reliance in defence production, enhancing its firepower on land, sea, and air.
FACTORS BEHIND INDIA’S GROWTH
India’s rise in the GFP Index 2025 can be attributed to its modernisation efforts across all three military branches. The Army has 1.45 million active personnel, supported by 1.15 million reserve troops and a paramilitary force of over 25 lakh personnel. It boasts advanced weaponry such as T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, BrahMos missiles, and Pinaka rocket systems.
The Indian Air Force has significantly expanded its fleet, now operating 2,229 aircraft, including 600 fighter jets, 899 helicopters, and 831 support aircraft. Key assets include Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets, along with advanced missile systems like Rudram, Astra, Nirbhay, and BrahMos.
The Indian Navy has also strengthened its presence, with 142,251 personnel and a fleet of 150 warships and submarines. Strategic assets include INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and P-8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft. More than 50 new vessels are under construction, further boosting India’s naval power.
India’s military rise is also driven by economic and geopolitical factors.
Top 10 Defence Budgets in 2025 (in USD)
| Rank | Country | Defence Budget |
| 1 | United States | $895 billion |
| 2 | China | $266.85 billion |
| 3 | Russia | $126 billion |
| 4 | India | $75 billion |
| 5 | Saudi Arabia | $74.76 billion |
| 6 | United Kingdom | $71.5 billion |
| 7 | Japan | $57 billion |
| 8 | Australia | $55.7 billion |
| 9 | France | $55 billion |
| 10 | Ukraine | $53.7 billion |
(Source: Global Firepower Ranking 2025)
India’s Growing Military Strength
India continues to cement its position as a global military power, ranking fourth in the Global Firepower Index with a PowerIndex score of 0.1184. The Indian government has allocated ₹6.81 lakh crore ($75 billion) to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget for FY 2025, making it the highest-funded sector, accounting for 13.45% of total government spending. This investment aims to enhance combat capabilities, technological advancements, and strategic deterrence.
India’s Military Capabilities Across Land, Air, and Sea
Indian Army
- Personnel: 1.45 million active troops, 1.15 million reserves, and over 2.5 million paramilitary personnel.
- Key assets: T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, BrahMos missiles, and Pinaka rocket systems.
Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Fleet Strength: 2,229 aircraft, including 600 fighter jets (Rafale, Su-30MKI), 899 helicopters, and 831 support aircraft.
- Advanced weaponry: Astra, Rudram, Nirbhay, and BrahMos missile systems.
Indian Navy
- Personnel: 142,251 personnel.
- Fleet strength: 150 warships and submarines, including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers.
- Strategic capabilities: Nuclear submarines, P-8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and over 50 new vessels under construction.
India’s Global Influence and Military Ranking
As per Forbes’ latest rankings, India holds the 12th position in the list of the world’s most powerful countries, factoring in its economic standing, international alliances, and military strength. Economically, India ranks fifth in global GDP, following the United States, China, Germany, and Japan.
According to the Global Firepower Military Strength Ranking 2025, the top ten global military powers are:
- United States (PowerIndex: 0.0744)
- Russia (PowerIndex: 0.0788)
- China (PowerIndex: 0.0788)
- India (PowerIndex: 0.1184)
- South Korea (PowerIndex: 0.1656)
- United Kingdom (PowerIndex: 0.1785)
- France (PowerIndex: 0.1878)
- Japan (PowerIndex: 0.1839)
- Turkiye (PowerIndex: 0.1902)
- Italy (PowerIndex: 0.2164)
The Road Ahead for India’s Defence Strategy
India’s position as the world’s fourth most powerful military underscores its ongoing efforts to modernise its forces, enhance strategic defence, and reduce reliance on foreign imports. With a robust financial commitment, cutting-edge technology, and a strong manpower base, the country is poised to strengthen its global standing further.
