India has become the fifth-largest military spender in the world in 2025, with its defence expenditure rising to about $92 billion, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The increase reflects an 8.9% jump from the previous year and places India behind only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany. The report notes that global military spending is rising steadily, driven by ongoing conflicts and increasing geopolitical tensions.
India’s growing defence budget is linked to several factors, including modernisation of armed forces, procurement of advanced weapons, and regional security challenges. Recent military tensions and emergency procurement needs have also contributed to higher spending.
SIPRI highlights that India now accounts for around 3.2% of global defence spending, showing its growing strategic role in Asia. At the same time, countries across Europe and Asia are increasing their military budgets amid global instability.
China remains the second-largest spender with a much higher defence budget, while other neighbouring countries spend significantly less, highlighting the regional imbalance in military strength.
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