Both nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan, have a long history of war, mostly over the disputed territory of Kashmir. Their historical conflicts and strategic priorities are reflected in their military prowess.
đź’Ą Recent Escalations (2025)
26 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025. India launched airstrikes on Pakistani territory after attributing the attack to militants with ties to Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated by hitting Indian military locations with missiles. Aerial dogfights, cross-border shelling, and both sides’ civilian deaths caused the situation to worsen. Despite international calls for moderation, tensions are still high.
Military Comparison (2024–2025)
🔹 Manpower & Budget
Category
India
Pakistan
Defense Budget
~$74 billion
~$10.4 billion
Active Personnel
1.37 million
594,000
Reserve Personnel
1.17 million
583,000
Paramilitary Forces
~2.8 million
~488,000
% of GDP on Defense
~2%
~4%
🔹 Ground Forces
Category
India
Pakistan
Tanks
4,614 (T-90, Arjun MBT)
3,742 (Al-Khalid, T-80UD)
Armored Vehicles
151,000
50,000
Self-Propelled Artillery
100
1,225
Rocket Artillery
700
1,738
🔹 Air Power
Category
India
Pakistan
Total Aircraft
2,296
1,434
Fighter Jets
606 (Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas)
387 (JF-17, F-16, J-10C)
Helicopters
1,191
372
Combat Drones (UCAVs)
12
113
🔹 Naval Forces
Category
India
Pakistan
Total Naval Assets
287
96
Aircraft Carriers
2
0
Destroyers
13
0
Frigates
11
6
Submarines
15
7
đź’° Economic Overview
Category
India
Pakistan
GDP (Nominal, 2024)
~$3.48 trillion
~$361 billion
GDP Growth Rate
~6.5%
~2.5%
Future Projections
Expected to reach ~$4.96 trillion by 2030
Facing economic challenges, growth dependent on reforms
⚠️ Reasons for Conflict:
The primary reasons for the enduring conflict between India and Pakistan include:
The Kashmir dispute: Involves both nations controlling portions of the region while claiming the entire area.
Terrorism: India charges Pakistan with aiding cross-border terrorism.
Water Resources: Tensions have arisen because to disagreements over the Indus Waters Treaty.
Historical animosity: Mutual mistrust is exacerbated by the legacy of division and earlier conflicts.
