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GK: The United States continues to dominate global defence expenditure, contributing 62.3 per cent of the total military budgets among the top five highest-spending countries
India’s defence budget ranks fourth with USD 75 billion (File Photo)
Military spending is key in shaping a nation’s security framework, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding national interests, modernising armed forces, and maintaining strategic influence in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. As geopolitical uncertainties intensify, many nations are expanding their military budgets to fortify their armed forces and enhance their global strategic positioning.
In recent years, defence budgets worldwide have experienced a significant surge, fueled by rising global tensions, emerging security threats, and the pursuit of cutting-edge military technologies. Countries are prioritising investments in advanced weaponry, defence systems, and personnel to strengthen their military capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.
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According to the latest report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), worldwide defence spending reached USD 2.46 trillion in 2024, an increase from USD 2.24 trillion in the previous year. This expenditure now accounts for 1.9 percent of the global GDP, rising from 1.6 percent in 2022 and 1.8 percent in 2023.
The notable rise in military budgets can be largely attributed to increasing security threats and geopolitical instability, particularly in regions like Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Asia. Moreover, as inflation rates have declined, nations have been able to channel more funds toward acquiring new defence technologies rather than merely covering operational costs and personnel expenses.
The United States continues to dominate global defence expenditures, contributing 62.3 percent of the total military budgets among the top five highest-spending countries. China follows with 18.6 percent, while Russia accounts for 8.8 percent, according to data from the Global Firepower Index.
Top 10 Countries With Highest Defence Expenditures In 2025:
United States – USD 895 billion
China – USD 266.85 billion
Russia – USD 126 billion
India – USD 75 billion
Saudi Arabia – USD 74.76 billion
United Kingdom – USD 71.5 billion
Japan – USD 57 billion
Australia – USD 55.7 billion
France – USD 55 billion
Ukraine – USD 53.7 billion
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India’s Military Standing On The Global Stage
India has reinforced its position as one of the most powerful military forces in the world, securing the fourth rank in the Global Firepower Index with a score of 0.1184. The nation continues to expand its defence investments, prioritising modernisation efforts, technological advancements, and strategies to counter regional security threats.
For the fiscal year 2025, the Indian government allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, making it the highest-funded sector in the national budget and accounting for 13.45 per cent of total government spending. With a military budget of USD 75 billion, India remains the fourth-largest defence spender globally, as per Global Firepower rankings.
