India has secured 4th place in the Global Firepower Index 2025 (GFP Index), a significant rise in its military strength on the global stage. The ranking highlights India’s expanding defence capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most powerful military forces. Meanwhile, Pakistan has dropped from 9th place in 2024 to 12th in the latest rankings.
The Global Firepower Index 2025 evaluates military power based on over 60 parameters, including defence technology, financial resources, logistics, and strategic positioning.
The United States remains the most powerful military, followed by Russia and China, with India now occupying the 4th spot. Other countries in the top 10 include South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy.
India has made significant advancements, particularly in self-reliance in defence production, enhancing its firepower on land, sea, and air.
FACTORS BEHIND INDIA’S GROWTH
India’s rise in the GFP Index 2025 can be attributed to its modernisation efforts across all three military branches. The Army has 1.45 million active personnel, supported by 1.15 million reserve troops and a paramilitary force of over 25 lakh personnel. It boasts advanced weaponry such as T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, BrahMos missiles, and Pinaka rocket systems.
The Indian Air Force has significantly expanded its fleet, now operating 2,229 aircraft, including 600 fighter jets, 899 helicopters, and 831 support aircraft. Key assets include Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets, along with advanced missile systems like Rudram, Astra, Nirbhay, and BrahMos.
The Indian Navy has also strengthened its presence, with 142,251 personnel and a fleet of 150 warships and submarines. Strategic assets include INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and P-8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft. More than 50 new vessels are under construction, further boosting India’s naval power.
India’s military rise is also driven by economic and geopolitical factors.
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