India has increased its defense budget by 9.5%, allocating $78 billion for 2025. The latest budget presented by the Modi government shows that defense spending now accounts for 8% of the country’s GDP, positioning India as the fourth-largest military spender in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China.
According to international reports, the budget sets aside $5.6 billion for the procurement of new fighter jets and $2.8 billion to strengthen the naval fleet.
Despite the fact that over 80 million Indians live below the poverty line, the country continues to prioritize military expansion. This aggressive defense strategy raises concerns about escalating regional tensions, particularly as India’s military buildup outpaces social welfare investments.
Since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have remained locked in a state of hostility, engaging in multiple wars and border conflicts.
The two nations have fought full-scale wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971, with the Kashmir dispute remaining the central point of contention. The Kargil conflict in 1999 further intensified hostilities, leading to prolonged military standoffs and skirmishes.
Beyond open warfare, both countries have engaged in diplomatic and proxy battles, with cross-border tensions frequently flaring up. Military buildups, nuclear deterrence, and defense strategies continue to shape their geopolitical rivalry, keeping South Asia on edge. With India’s latest defense spending surge, Pakistan may also feel compelled to bolster its military capabilities, fueling an ongoing arms race in the region.
