New Delhi – The latest data from the Global Firepower Index 2025 has once again underscored India’s significant lead over Pakistan in terms of military strength. With a PowerIndex score of 0.1184, India ranks 4th globally, just behind military giants like the United States, Russia, and China. In contrast, Pakistan lags at the 9th position with a PowerIndex score of 0.1711, highlighting a substantial gap in capabilities across land, air, sea, and defense spending.
Ground Forces:
India boasts one of the largest and most advanced ground forces in the world. The Indian Army includes:
- 1.45 million active personnel, supported by 1.15 million in reserves.
- Over 4,700 tanks, 100,000+ armored vehicles, and a vast artillery system.
In comparison, Pakistan has:
- About 650,000 active personnel and 550,000 reserves.
- Roughly 2,200 tanks and a significantly smaller mechanized force.
🔵 India (PwrIndx: 0.1184, Rank: 4 of 145)
🔴 Pakistan (PwrIndx: 0.2513, Rank: 12 of 145)
India maintains a significant military advantage across almost all domains—manpower, airpower, naval strength, financial backing, and logistics—while Pakistan remains a regional power with focused capabilities.
Quick Summary – Who Leads Where?
Category Edge Winner Manpower ✅ India Airpower ✅ India Land Systems ⚖️ Mixed Naval Power ✅ India Financials ✅ India Logistics ✅ India Natural Resources ✅ India Geography ✅ Pakistan 📊 MANPOWER
MetricIndia Pakistan Total Population 1.41 Billion 252 Million Available Manpower 662 Million 108 Million Fit-for-Service 522 Million 85 Million Active Military Personnel 1.45 Million 654,000 Reserves 1.15 Million 550,000 Paramilitary Forces 2.53 Million 500,000 🔎 Verdict: India’s sheer population gives it a deep recruitment base and much stronger active and reserve forces.
AIRPOWER
Metric India Pakistan Total Aircraft 2,229 1,399 Fighter Jets 513 328 Attack Aircraft 130 90 Transport Planes 270 64 Helicopters (Total) 899 373 Attack Helicopters 80 57 🔎 Verdict: India’s air force is more advanced and diversified, with better transport, special mission, and helicopter assets.
LAND POWER
Metric India Pakistan Tanks 4,201 2,627 Armored Vehicles 148,594 17,516 Towed Artillery 3,975 2,629 Self-Propelled Artillery 100 662 Rocket Projectors 264 600 🔎 Verdict: India dominates in tanks and armored vehicles; Pakistan leads in mobile rocket artillery and self-propelled guns—indicating different tactical focuses.
⚓ NAVAL POWER
Metric India Pakistan Fleet Strength 293 121 Aircraft Carriers 2 0 Submarines 18 8 Destroyers 13 0 Frigates 14 9 Patrol Vessels 135 69 🔎 Verdict: India has a true blue-water navy with carriers, destroyers, and a larger submarine fleet. Pakistan’s navy is leaner and more regionally focused.
💰 FINANCIALS
Metric India Pakistan Defense Budget $75B $7.64B Foreign Reserves $628B $13.7B Purchasing Power $13.1T $1.34T 🔎 Verdict: India has 10x+ Pakistan’s defense budget and vastly greater economic depth and reserves.
Air Power:
India ranks 3rd globally in air strength, with over 2,300 military aircraft, including:
- 250+ fighter jets, featuring advanced platforms like the Rafale and Su-30MKI.
- A fleet of transport, surveillance, and UAV systems that support rapid mobilization.
Pakistan, ranked 6th in air power, maintains around 1,400 aircraft, with:
- Chinese-origin JF-17 fighters, F-16s, and Mirage jets, but fewer modern multirole platforms.
Naval Power:
India’s naval capabilities are also far superior:
- 1 aircraft carrier, 10 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 17 submarines, including nuclear-powered subs.
- A focus on blue-water navy ambitions with indigenous shipbuilding under “Make in India”.
Pakistan’s Navy is smaller with:
- No aircraft carriers, 10 frigates, 8 submarines, and 3 destroyers.
- Limited presence beyond the Arabian Sea.
Defense Budget & Modernization:
- India’s defense budget (2025): Over $85 billion, aimed at modernization, self-reliance, and strategic infrastructure.
- Pakistan’s defense budget: Around $11 billion, with heavy reliance on foreign aid and Chinese imports.
India’s strategic programs like the Agni missile series, nuclear triad, space-based surveillance, and partnerships with the US, France, and Israel further enhance its global military stature.
Global Influence & Strategic Depth:
India’s rising influence in global forums like BRICS, G20, and its deepening ties with QUAD nations contribute to its defense diplomacy. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces internal political instability, economic strain, and growing diplomatic isolation—factors that directly affect its military preparedness.
