- India’s military spending in 2024 reached $86.1 billion, nearly 9 times that of Pakistan ($10.2 billion), as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report titled “Trends in World Military Expenditure 2024”.
- The report was released amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack.
Key Highlights – SIPRI 2024 Report
India
- Global Rank: 5th largest military spender.
- Spending: $86.1 billion (↑ 1.6% from 2023).
- Comparison with Pakistan: India’s spending is ~9 times higher.
Pakistan
- Military Expenditure: $10.2 billion in 2024. Top 5 Military Spenders (2024)
These five countries accounted for 60% of total global military expenditure ($1635 billion):
- United States
- China
- Russia
- Germany
- India
China
- Spending: $314 billion (↑ 7.0%).
- Significance:
- 30th consecutive year of growth.
- Accounts for 50% of Asia-Oceania military spending.
- Focus on cyberwarfare, nuclear arsenal, and military modernization.
Russia
- Spending: $149 billion (↑ 38% from 2023).
- Share of GDP:1%.
- Government Budget Share: 19%.
- Context: Driven by ongoing war in Ukraine (since 2022).
Ukraine
- Spending: $64.7 billion (↑ 2.9%).
- Share of GDP: 34% – highest military burden globally.
- Note: Military expenditure = entire tax revenue.
- Challenge: Fiscal constraints limit future increases in spending.
Germany
- Spending: $88.5 billion (↑ 28%).
- Global Rank: 4th largest spender.
- Region: Highest in central and western Europe.
Poland
- Spending: $38 billion (↑ 31%).
- Share of GDP:2%.
Regional Trends
- Europe (incl. Russia):
- Total spending: $693 billion (↑ 17%).
- Military budgets now exceed Cold War
- Fueled by conflict in Ukraine and NATO commitments.
Significance and Implications
- India-Pakistan Security Dynamics: Reinforces India’s regional military dominance.
- European Rearmament: Rapid buildup driven by geopolitical tensions and NATO targets.
- China’s Expansion: Emphasizes long-term strategic buildup across domains.
- Global Shift: Power blocs reconfiguring due to war (Russia-Ukraine) and US-China rivalry.
