India 5th largest military spender in world despite widespread poverty
New Delhi: While millions of Indians continue to struggle with extreme poverty, hunger and unemployment, India has emerged as the world’s fifth largest military spender, allocating a massive USD 92.1 billion on defence in 2025, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, India’s military expenditure increased by 8.9 percent in 2025. The country now possesses approximately 190 nuclear warheads and is actively modernising its arsenal with a focus on long-range weapons.
SIPRI noted that India was involved in an “unusually severe military crisis” with Pakistan in May 2025, during which both sides integrated cyber operations into the conflict. The report also highlighted that India remains one of the largest importers of major arms in the world.
Critics point out the glaring contradiction in India’s priorities. While the Modi government continues to pour billions into military buildup and nuclear expansion, large sections of the Indian population face acute poverty, lack of basic healthcare, education, and employment.
This massive military spending comes at the cost of public welfare, especially as the BJP regime intensifies its repressive policies in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The SIPRI report further stated that global military expenditure reached a record USD 2.9 trillion in 2025, with the top 15 spenders accounting for 80 percent of the total. India’s aggressive military posture, both against Pakistan and China, reflects its growing militarisation even as it suppresses the legitimate freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people.
Analysts say India’s obsession with military strength and nuclear weapons, while ignoring the basic needs of its own citizens, exposes the hollowness of its claims of being a rising global power. The continued occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and heavy militarisation there further drains resources.
