World’s 5th-largest military spender: Did Op Sindoor drive India’s $92bn defence surge?

Apr 29, 2026 | 11:47 IST

Illustration: AI

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

In the year India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, its defence expenditure climbed to $92.1 billion — an 8.9% increase from the previous year.

The latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) places India as the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025, behind the US, China, Russia, and Germany. Its regional rival, Pakistan, was a distant 31st, with defence spending of $11.9 billion.

TOI

TOI

World’s 5th-largest military spender: Did Op Sindoor drive India’s $92bn defence surge?

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

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TOI

World’s 5th-largest military spender: Did Op Sindoor drive India’s $92bn defence surge?

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

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