India's Defence Spending Reaches $92.1 Billion in 2025: SIPRI Report

India spent $92.1 billion on its military in 2025, making it the fifth-largest defence spender globally, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026.  

The report said spending increased 8.9% from 2024. It also ranked India as the second-largest importer of arms during 2021-2025, accounting for 8.2% of global imports over the 5-year period. 

Nuclear Stockpile and Deployment 

The yearbook estimated that India had around 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026. It said 12 warheads were deployed during 2025, while the remaining weapons were held in reserve.  

SIPRI noted that this is the first time India's arsenal has been described as partly operationally deployed instead of being entirely stockpiled, indicating a change in how the force is maintained. 

Missile Programme and Regional Balance 

The report said India continued to expand its nuclear arsenal at a gradual pace and worked on new delivery systems during the year.  

It added that the country's modernisation plans are increasingly focused on long-range weapons capable of covering all of China, while military planning continues to take Pakistan into account. 

SIPRI also referred to the development of the Agni-V missile, stating that a longer-range version could alter the existing nuclear balance involving China, India and Pakistan. 

Military Developments in Asia 

According to the report, Asia and Oceania saw continued military build-up and strategic competition in 2025. It cited the India-Pakistan military crisis in May 2025, where cyber operations were used alongside conventional military activity.  

The yearbook also highlighted the growing use of submarine-based nuclear delivery systems across the Indo-Pacific, including by India. 

Read More: India's Current Account Posts $7.1 Billion Surplus in Q4 FY26! 

Conclusion 

The SIPRI assessment shows that India increased defence spending in 2025 while continuing work on its nuclear arsenal and missile programmes, alongside broader military developments taking place across the region. 

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