India Emerges As World’s Third-Largest Military Power – OpEd |
India, a nation of 1.47 billion people, has overtaken most nations to become the third-largest military power in 2025, behind only the United States and China. Operation Sindoor demonstrated indigenous weapons and anti-drone capabilities, while the government eyes a 20-25 percent increase in the defence budget for 2026 and aims to take defence exports to Rs 30,000 crore, the Zee News website reported.
Emphasis on self-reliance and modern technology is turning India into a formidable player in the global defence market.
The outgoing year 2025 proved to be a milestone for India’s defence sector. During changing global security challenges, the country displayed its military strength, strategic readiness and self-reliance. Australia-based Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index 2025 ranks India as the world’s third-largest defence power after the United States and China.
According to the Global Fire Power website, India was still ranked as the world’s fourth largest military power in 2025, behind the U.S., China and Russia. India is a nuclear power. It has spent US$75 billion on defence in 2025. It has 2.19 million army with 2 aircraft carriers, 513 fighter jets, 45 warships and 18 submarines.
Experts attribute a major portion of this achievement to Operation Sindoor, where India deployed indigenous weapon systems and carried out record anti-drone operations, sending a message about its combat preparedness.
Along with operational achievements, international defence deals........