Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, prompting renewed focus on the military capabilities of these nuclear-armed neighbors. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India ranks 4th globally with a Power Index score of 0.1184, while Pakistan stands at 12th with a score of 0.2513, highlighting India’s superior conventional warfare potential.
India’s population of 1.4 billion dwarfs Pakistan’s 252 million, providing a vast manpower pool of 662 million compared to Pakistan’s 108 million. India boasts 1.45 million active military personnel, nearly double Pakistan’s 654,000, and maintains a larger reserve force of 1.1 million against Pakistan’s 550,000. India’s defense budget for 2025–26 is $79 billion, significantly outpacing Pakistan’s $10–12 billion.
In land warfare, India’s 4,614 tanks and 151,248 armored vehicles outnumber Pakistan’s 3,742 tanks and fewer armored units. India’s air force, with 2,296 aircraft, including 606 fighter jets, surpasses Pakistan’s 1,434 aircraft and 387 fighters. India’s navy, a blue-water force with two aircraft carriers and 294 vessels, far exceeds Pakistan’s green-water navy of 114 vessels and no carriers.
Both nations possess comparable nuclear arsenals, with India holding 130–140 warheads and Pakistan 140–150, alongside advanced ballistic missiles. While India’s conventional edge is clear, experts urge restraint to avoid catastrophic escalation.
India vs. Pakistan Military Strength Comparison
Global Ranking: India ranks 4th globally (Power Index: 0.1184); Pakistan ranks 12th (Power Index: 0.2513) per Global Firepower Index 2025.
Manpower: India’s 1.4B population supports 662M available manpower, 1.45M active personnel, and 1.1M reserves; Pakistan’s 252M population yields 108M manpower, 654,000 active personnel, and 550,000 reserves.
Defense Budget: India allocates $79B for defense in 2025–26; Pakistan spends $10–12B.
Land Forces: India has 4,614 tanks and 151,248 armored vehicles; Pakistan has 3,742 tanks and fewer armored units.
Air Forces: India operates 2,296 aircraft, including 606 fighters; Pakistan has 1,434 aircraft, with 387 fighters.
Naval Forces: India’s navy includes two aircraft carriers and 294 vessels; Pakistan’s has 114 vessels and no carriers.
Nuclear Capabilities: India possesses 130–140 nuclear warheads; Pakistan has 140–150, both with advanced ballistic missiles.
