India Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
India's military spending was 2.10% in 2025, ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 7.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
India's military spending stood at 2.10% in 2025, a decline of +0.17% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.10% by 2025. India ranked 52nd globally.
India's military spending has exhibited a relatively stable trajectory over the past 66 years, with a slight decline from its all-time peak of 4.23% of GDP in 1987 to a current level of 2.10% of GDP in 2025, ranking 52 globally. This marks a significant decrease from the country's inaugural military expenditure in 1960, which also stood at 2.00% of GDP. Notably, India's military spending has converged with that of its peer countries, such as Iran, which shares a similar ranking of 2.11% of GDP. Historically, India's military spending has been characterized by fluctuations, but the country has maintained a steady pace in recent years. As global security dynamics continue to shift, India's military spending trajectory may be influenced by its ongoing modernization efforts and potential geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with neighboring countries.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.99% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.10% | −0.17% | #52 |
| 2024 | 2.27% | −0.09% | #105 |
| 2023 | 2.36% | −0.03% | #113 |
| 2022 | 2.38% | −0.09% | #119 |
| 2021 | 2.47% | −0.33% | #124 |
| 2020 | 2.80% | +0.26% | #126 |
| 2019 | 2.55% | +0.12% | #122 |
| 2018 | 2.42% | −0.11% | #125 |
| 2017 | 2.53% | −0.01% | #121 |
| 2016 | 2.54% | +0.09% | #120 |
| 2015 | 2.46% | −0.09% | #119 |
| 2014 | 2.54% | −0.00% | #124 |
| 2013 | 2.55% | −0.07% | #124 |
| 2012 | 2.62% | −0.09% | #121 |
| 2011 | 2.70% | −0.18% | #118 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The provided news headlines do not offer any direct or indirect insights into India's military spending, which currently stands at 2.10%. The first headline discusses a local tax increment lawsuit in the US, while the second focuses on the general market for Software Defined Radio technology. Therefore, no analysis regarding India's defense budget can be drawn from these specific reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
India's military spending was 2.10% in 2025. Ranked 52nd globally. This represents a 7.4% decrease from the previous year.
India's military spending peaked at 4.23% in 1987.
The lowest military spending in India was 2.00% in 1960.
India ranks 52nd globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's military spending is projected to reach 2.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of India in 2025 was 2.10%. This ranks 52nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_military-spending,
title = {India Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}