India is at number four in the list of world’s strongest armies, Pakistan slipped to 12th, know the military power of US-Russia

India is at number four in the Global Firepower Index-File Photo

The Force Firepower Index evaluates the world’s most powerful armies based on more than 60 parameters. These include military units, financial condition, logistical capacity, geographical location and technological advancement.

Global Firepower, an organization that ranks countries around the world on the basis of their military power, has released a new list. India is at number four in this list. Whereas, Pakistan’s position has become much weaker than before. Pakistan was at number 9 last year i.e. in 2024, which has slipped to number 12. Along with this, America is at number one, Russia is at number two and China is at number three.

What is the Global Firepower Index?

The Global Firepower Index evaluates the world’s most powerful armies on the basis of more than 60 parameters. These include military units, financial position, logistical capability, geographical position and technological advancement.

Top-10 military powers of 2025

• America: Remains at the top position due to its cutting-edge capabilities, financial power and global influence. America’s Power Index score is 0.0744.
• Russia: Despite the war with Ukraine, Russia maintained its strength due to its strategic alliance with Iran, North Korea and China. Russia’s Power Index score is 0.0788.
• China: China is included in the top three due to huge increase in defense and technological investment. China’s power index score is 0.0788.

-India: Our military strength has increased due to advanced military equipment, modern weapons and strategic position. India’s power index score is 0.1184.

South Korea: South Korea is included in the top-5 due to large investment in the defense sector and strong position from global partnerships. The power index score of this country is 0.1656.

• The power index score of the United Kingdom is 0.1785.
• The power index score of France is 0.1878.
• The power index score of Japan is 0.1839.

… Turkey’s power index score is 0.1902.

• The power index score of Italy is 0.2164.

Decline in Pakistan’s ranking

Pakistan was ranked 9th in the Global Firepower Index in 2024, which has slipped to 12th place in 2025. This decline reflects its weak military position and the challenges in defense modernization. Bhutan, on the other hand, is ranked 145th in this list, which is the lowest ranking.
A look at India’s military power

Army

• 14.5 lakh active soldiers and 11.5 lakh reserve soldiers
• More than 25 lakh paramilitary forces
• Major weapons: T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks, Brahmos missiles, Pinaka rocket systems and howitzer guns

Air Force

• 2,229 aircraft. Which includes 600 fighter jets, 899 helicopters and 831 support aircraft
• Major fighter aircraft: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Netra surveillance plane Missile systems: Rudram, Astra, Nirbhay, Brahmos and Akash air defense systems

Navy

• 1,42,251 naval personnel
• Major strategic assets: Nuclear submarines, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers
• Fleet: 150 warships and submarines, more than 50 new ships under construction
• Advanced reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft: P-8i, MH-60R helicopters

How does the Global Firepower Index evaluate military strength?

The Global Firepower Index assesses military capability by taking into account more than 60 parameters. Nuclear weapons are not included in it. The main parameters include military units (tanks, aircraft, warships, missile systems), economic power (defense budget and financial resources), logistical capabilities (fuel supply, stores transportation) and strategic geographical location.

Military strength of neighbouring countries

China (Rank 3)

Army: 20 lakh active soldiers

• Air Force: More than 3,150 fighter jets
• Navy: 370+ warships and submarines (world’s largest naval power)

Pakistan (Rank 12)

Army: 6,40,000 active soldiers, major tanks- Al-Khalid, T-80UD, Al-Zarrar

• Air Force: JF-17 Thunder, F-16, and Mirage fighter jets
• Navy: Agosta 90B submarines, Tariq-class destroyer, Zulfikar-class frigate

Bangladesh (Rank 35)

• Army: 1,63,000 active soldiers, 6,80,000 paramilitary forces
• Air Force: 166 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets
• Navy: 117 warships, including 2 Chinese-origin submarines