India Ranks Fifth in Global Military Spending in 2024
Published on: April 28, 2025
According to the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has allocated $86.1 billion (approximately ₹7.19 lakh crore) to its defense budget in 2024, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year. This places India as the fifth-largest military spender globally, following the United States, China, Russia, and Germany.
In comparison, Pakistan's military budget stands at $10.2 billion (approximately ₹85,170 crore), nearly nine times less than India's expenditure. Despite this, Pakistan continues to emphasize its nuclear capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Global Military Expenditure Overview
SIPRI's 'Trends in World Military Expenditure 2024' report highlights the following key figures:
- United States: $997 billion
- China: $314 billion
- Russia: $149 billion
- Germany: $88.5 billion
- India: $86.1 billion
- Ukraine: $64.7 billion (34% of GDP)
- Poland: $38 billion (31% increase)
India's Defense Budget Allocation
In the 2024-25 interim Union Budget, India has allocated ₹6.21 lakh crore for defense, a marginal increase of 0.064% from the previous year's revised estimate. Notably:
- 67.7% of the defense budget is allocated to revenue and pension expenses.
- Capital expenditure for weapons procurement has been reduced for the third consecutive year.
- Defense spending accounts for 12.9% of the total budget, slightly down from 13% in the previous year.
These trends suggest that India is advancing its military modernization efforts with limited resources.
Europe's Increasing Defense Investments
SIPRI notes a significant rise in military spending among Central and Western European countries in 2024. Germany's defense expenditure reached $88.5 billion, the highest in the region, while Poland increased its defense spending by 31%, investing 4.2% of its GDP in defense.