India has emerged as the world’s fifth-largest military spender, according to the latest report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report highlights a steady rise in global defence expenditure, with India strengthening its position among the top military investors in 2025.
According to the report, India’s defence spending has reached approximately $92.1 billion, marking an increase of around 8.9 percent compared to the previous year. The rise reflects continued focus on military modernisation, border security requirements, and strategic defence preparedness.
The SIPRI data shows that global military expenditure has continued to climb, reaching an all-time high of around $2.89 trillion in 2025. The report indicates that rising geopolitical tensions across regions have contributed significantly to increased defence budgets worldwide.
On the global ranking scale, the United States remains the largest military spender, followed by China in second place. Russia stands third, while Germany holds the fourth position. India ranks fifth in this list, reinforcing its growing strategic and defence capabilities.
China’s military expenditure remains significantly higher than India’s, estimated at around $336 billion, reflecting its continued investment in defence modernisation and advanced military technologies.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is placed much lower in the ranking. Its defence expenditure is estimated at around $11.9 billion, placing it outside the top tier of global military spenders. While Pakistan has also increased its defence spending, it remains far behind India and China in overall allocation.
The SIPRI report also notes that Asia and Europe have witnessed a notable rise in defence spending due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
India’s position as the fifth-largest military spender highlights its growing emphasis on strengthening defence infrastructure and addressing evolving security challenges in the region.