India ranked as the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025. India’s military expenditure stood at USD 92.1 billion in 2025, after an annual increase of 8.9%. Global military expenditure reached USD 2.887 trillion in 2025, which was the 11th consecutive year of growth.
Global Military Spending
The five largest military spenders in 2025 were the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India. These five countries accounted for 58% of total global military spending in 2025. The global military burden rose from 2.4% of global GDP in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025, which was the highest level since 2009.
India And Pakistan Defence Outlays
Pakistan’s military expenditure increased by 11% to USD 11.9 billion in 2025. The spending gap between India and Pakistan widened in 2025. A brief India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025 involved combat aircraft, drones, and missiles.
Arms Imports And Transfers
SIPRI data for 2021-2025 placed India as the world’s second-largest arms importer. India accounted for 8.3% of global arms imports during 2021-2025. Arms transfers are measured by SIPRI using deliveries of major conventional weapons.
SIPRI
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute is a Swedish independent research institute based in Stockholm. SIPRI publishes annual data on military expenditure, arms transfers, and arms production.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026