New Delhi:
In the latest Global Firepower Index for 2025, India has once again demonstrated its growing military prowess by securing the fourth position among the world’s most powerful armies. This ranking underscores India’s consistent efforts in defence modernisation and self-reliance. Meanwhile, Pakistan has experienced a significant drop, falling from the ninth to the 12th position.
The United States, Russia, and China continue to dominate the top three spots, reflecting their robust military capabilities and extensive resources. India’s fourth-place ranking, maintained for the sixth consecutive year, is a testament to its strategic investments in defence technology, financial resources, logistics, and geographical advantages.
The Global Firepower Index, which evaluates military strength based on over 60 parameters, places India among the elite group of global military powers. The US leads the pack with its unparalleled military might, followed closely by Russia and China. India’s defence capabilities are bolstered by its large active personnel force of 1,455,550 soldiers, along with a reserve force of 1,155,000.
India’s military arsenal is equipped with advanced systems such as T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, BrahMos missiles, and the Pinaka rocket system. The Indian Air Force boasts a formidable fleet of 2,229 aircraft, including 600 fighter jets, 899 helicopters, and 831 support aircraft. The Indian Navy, with 142,251 personnel, operates a fleet of 150 warships and submarines, including an aircraft carrier and 18 submarines.
In contrast, Pakistan, despite surpassing India in land power and geography, lags significantly behind in terms of defence budget and naval strength. Pakistan’s air power, though substantial with 1,399 aircraft, cannot match India’s comprehensive military capabilities.
Other notable movements in the rankings include France ascending to the seventh position and Japan slipping to the eighth. The top 10 countries in the Global Firepower Index 2025 are the US, Russia, China, India, South Korea, the UK, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy.
