Table of Contents
India vs Pakistan Military Power Comparison 2025: The April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India’s response, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border post, revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, and reducing diplomatic staff, reflects a firm stance against perceived provocations. Pakistan’s countermeasures, such as pausing the Simla Agreement, conducting missile tests, and halting trade and visa services, have heightened the risk of conflict. This analysis provides a comprehensive comparison of India and Pakistan’s military capabilities in 2025, based on data from reputable sources like the Global Firepower Index 2025 and Business Standard.
Context of Tensions
The Pahalgam attack prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to authorize the armed forces to plan a response, as discussed in a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has been labeled an “act of war” by Pakistan, further escalating diplomatic tensions. Both nations’ militaries are on high alert, with defense analysts warning of potential miscalculations leading to open conflict.
Military Comparison
The following table summarizes the military capabilities of India and Pakistan in 2025, focusing on personnel, budget, equipment, and strategic assets:
| Category | India | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Global Firepower Rank (2025) | 4th | 12th |
| Active Personnel | 1.46 million | 654,000 |
| Reserve Personnel | 1.15 million | 550,000 |
| Paramilitary Strength | 2.5 million | 500,000 |
| Defence Budget (FY26) | $79 billion (₹6.81 trillion) | $7.6 billion (₹2.28 trillion) |
| Tanks | 4,200+ (T-90 Bhishma, Arjun variants) | 2,627 |
| Armoured Vehicles | 148,594 | ~49,531 (estimated) |
| Total Aircraft | 2,229 | 1,399 |
| Fighter Jets | 513 (Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas) | 328 (JF-17 Thunder, F-16) |
| Helicopters | 899 | 373 |
| Aerial Tankers | 6 | 4 |
| Trainer Aircraft | 351 | 565 |
| Naval Vessels | 293 (6th globally) | 121 |
| Aircraft Carriers | 2 (INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant) | 0 |
| Destroyers | 13 | 0 |
| Submarines | 18 | 8 |
| Navy Type | Blue-water (regional and extra-regional power projection) | Green-water (coastal defence) |
| Nuclear Missiles | Agni-V (>5,200 km), Agni-VI (under development) | Shaheen-III (~2,750 km, extending to >3,000 km with foreign support) |
| Annual Military-Age Population | 24 million | 4.8 million |
| Primary Arms Suppliers | Russia, France, Israel, USA; increasing indigenous production | China (major), Turkey, France, Russia; US (MNNA status) |
Personnel and Budget
India’s military comprises 1.46 million active personnel, 1.15 million reserves, and 2.5 million paramilitary forces, significantly outnumbering Pakistan’s 654,000 active personnel, 550,000 reserves, and 500,000 paramilitary forces. India’s defence budget of $79 billion for FY26, a 9.5% increase from the previous year, dwarfs Pakistan’s $7.6 billion, enabling greater investment in modernization and infrastructure.
Land Forces
India’s land forces are equipped with over 4,200 tanks, including advanced T-90 Bhishma and indigenous Arjun variants, compared to Pakistan’s 2,627 tanks. India’s 148,594 armoured vehicles are approximately three times Pakistan’s estimated 49,531, giving India a clear edge in mechanized warfare.
Air Forces
India’s air force operates 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas, compared to Pakistan’s 1,399 aircraft and 328 fighter jets, including the JF-17 Thunder and F-16. India’s 899 helicopters and six aerial tankers enhance its air mobility and endurance, surpassing Pakistan’s 373 helicopters and four tankers. However, Pakistan has a notable advantage in trainer aircraft, with 565 compared to India’s 351, indicating a focus on pilot training.
Naval Forces
India’s navy, with 293 vessels, ranks sixth globally and includes two aircraft carriers (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant), 13 destroyers, and 18 submarines, enabling blue-water operations across the Indian Ocean. Pakistan’s navy, with 121 vessels, lacks aircraft carriers and destroyers and maintains only eight submarines, limiting it to green-water coastal defense.
Nuclear and Missile Capabilities
Both nations possess nuclear arsenals, with estimates suggesting each has approximately 170 warheads. India’s Agni-V missile, with a range exceeding 5,200 km, and the developing Agni-VI provide robust deterrence against Pakistan and China. Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile has a range of 2,750 km, with efforts reportedly underway to extend it beyond 3,000 km, possibly with assistance from China and Belarus.
Demographic Advantage
India’s demographic advantage is significant, with 24 million people reaching military age annually compared to Pakistan’s 4.8 million. This larger youth population ensures a sustainable recruitment pool for India’s armed forces and paramilitary units.
Arms Imports and Indigenous Production
India sources arms from Russia, France, Israel, and the USA, with a growing emphasis on indigenous production, such as the Tejas fighter jet and Arjun tank. Pakistan relies heavily on China, followed by Turkey, France, and Russia, and benefits from its status as a US Major Non-NATO Ally. Both nations are expanding their domestic defense industries to reduce reliance on imports.
Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations
India’s quantitative and qualitative advantages are evident, but Pakistan’s strategic assets, such as its nuclear capabilities and focus on air force training, ensure it remains a credible threat. Pakistan’s alliances, particularly with China, provide access to advanced technology, while India’s diverse supplier base and indigenous production enhance its strategic flexibility. The Global Firepower Index notes Pakistan’s advantages in specific areas like geography, which may offer tactical benefits in certain scenarios.
Current Situation and Risks
The Pahalgam attack has intensified an already volatile relationship, with both nations engaging in military posturing. India’s actions reflect a firm response to perceived provocations, while Pakistan’s countermeasures signal its intent to defend its sovereignty. The risk of escalation is high, given the history of four wars and ongoing disputes over Kashmir. Indian officials have vowed a calibrated response to further provocations, while Pakistani authorities warn of reciprocal actions if sovereignty is challenged.
Global Response
The United Nations and Western powers have called for restraint and dialogue to de-escalate the situation. However, deteriorating diplomatic ties and mutual accusations complicate efforts to resume negotiations. The international community remains concerned about the potential for a broader conflict in South Asia, given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Conclusion
India holds a significant military advantage over Pakistan in personnel, budget, and multi-domain capabilities, positioning it as a dominant regional power. However, Pakistan’s strategic assets, nuclear arsenal, and training focus ensure it remains a formidable adversary. The current tensions underscore the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and maintain stability in the region.
