India and Pakistan’s Military and Nuclear Capacities: A Comparative Overview
On Wednesday morning, a series of missile strikes carried out by India targeted several locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, leaving at least 26 individuals dead, including a three-year-old child. This military action, dubbed Operation Sindoor by India, aimed at what the Indian government characterized as “terrorist infrastructure.”
In a subsequent development, Pakistan reported that it had successfully intercepted five Indian aircraft; however, India has not publicly addressed this assertion. As a result of the recent conflict, local officials in Indian-administered Kashmir have reported civilian casualties, with at least 10 fatalities attributed to incoming fire from Pakistan since the missile strikes began.
The backdrop to these escalating tensions involves a tragic incident on April 22, where an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local pony rider. Eyewitness accounts suggested that the attackers deliberately targeted individuals based on their religious affiliations, a claim that underscores the complexities associated with identity in conflict settings.
The historical context of the ongoing strife between India and Pakistan dates back to 1947, when British colonial authorities partitioned the Indian subcontinent, leading to the formation of Muslim-majority Pakistan and Hindu-majority India. This partition initiated one of the largest and most tumultuous migrations in human history, giving rise to long-standing territorial disputes, particularly over Kashmir, which is claimed by both nations.
Currently, both India and Pakistan possess significant military capabilities, adding a dangerous dimension to their rivalry. According to Global Firepower’s 2025 rankings, India ranks as the fourth-strongest military in the world, while Pakistan holds the twelfth position. India is noted for its considerable defense expenditure, which reached billion in 2024, signifying 2.3% of its GDP. In contrast, Pakistan devoted .2 billion, or 2.7% of its GDP, to military spending.
While India’s military strength includes 2,229 military aircraft and 3,151 combat tanks, Pakistan maintains 1,399 aircraft and 1,839 tanks. Both nations also engage in a nuclear arms race, with significant investments in their respective arsenals, reflecting ongoing tensions and mutual distrust.
Despite their historical conflicts, both India and Pakistan continue to navigate the complexities of international alliances and arms imports, with India shifting its arms sourcing from former primary suppliers like Russia to newer partners including France, Israel, and the United States. Meanwhile, Pakistan has turned to China for the majority of its arms supply, showcasing the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in South Asia.
The situation remains fluid, and international observers continue to monitor developments closely, hoping for a resolution that fosters peace and stability in the region.
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