India’s war-driven policies push defence spending beyond $92 billion (original) (raw)

Stockholm: Reflecting New Delhi’s growing militarization and war-driven strategic posture in South Asia, India emerged as the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025, with defence expenditure surpassing US$92.1 billion, according to a report by an international think tank.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the annual report released on Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said India possessed approximately 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2025. The report noted that India further expanded its nuclear arsenal during the year and continued developing new systems capable of delivering nuclear weapons, underscoring its sustained military buildup.

It said that India’s military modernization programme is increasingly focused on acquiring and developing long-range strike capabilities capable of reaching targets deep inside China. However, its longstanding rivalry with Pakistan continues to remain a key element of its defence planning and strategic calculations.

The report highlighted New Delhi’s growing investment in advanced military technologies and strategic weapon systems amid evolving regional security dynamics. Both China and Pakistan, it noted, remain central to India’s military doctrine and force modernization efforts.

Analysts view the continued rise in India’s defence spending and nuclear capabilities as indicative of an increasingly aggressive security posture, raising concerns about strategic stability and the arms race in South Asia.