India's Military Power: A Pillar of National Security and Regional Influence

By Ishaan Khatri

India's Military Power: A Pillar of National Security and Regional Influence

India’s military power forms the foundation of its national security and plays a major role in shaping its regional and global standing. With one of the world’s largest standing armies, access to advanced defence technology, and a growing network of strategic partnerships, India is increasingly seen as a rising military power. This essay looks at the many elements that contribute to India’s military strength, including manpower, defence spending, equipment, nuclear capabilities, and the country's influence in global security.

India has one of the largest active armed forces in the world. The Indian Armed Forces include approximately 1.4 million active personnel, with the Indian Army alone accounting for over 1.1 million soldiers. This makes it the second-largest army globally, according to Global Firepower’s 2023 data. India also maintains around 2 million reserve troops, adding significant depth to its military readiness. With ongoing tensions along its borders with Pakistan and China, this large force gives India the ability to respond rapidly to threats and crises in a region that continues to face complex security challenges.

India’s defence budget reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong and modern military. In 2023, India allocated USD 72.6 billion to its defence sector, ranking as the third-largest defence spender after the United States and China, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. A large portion of this budget goes towards modernising the armed forces through new acquisitions, research and development, and operational preparedness.

A key feature of India’s defence strategy is the Make in India initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. By 2023, over 60 percent of India’s defence needs were being met through domestic production, including missiles, fighter jets, and naval vessels. The government has also committed to spending USD 130 billion over the next ten years on modernisation efforts, with a strong focus on achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The Indian Army, as the largest component of the armed forces, is heavily equipped with a wide range of systems. It maintains more than 4,000 battle tanks, including Russian T-90s and the indigenously developed Arjun tanks. In terms of artillery, the army operates over 1,000 self-propelled howitzers along with advanced multiple-launch rocket systems. It also has highly trained special forces such as the Para SF and the MARCOS units, which have been crucial in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Kashmir and the northeast.

India’s air power has also grown rapidly. The Indian Air Force has a fleet of more than 1,700 aircraft, placing it among the world’s largest air forces. It is currently undergoing a major modernisation drive, with a focus on acquiring multirole fighter aircraft. The Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Rafale jets make up the backbone of India’s air superiority force. The acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France, completed in 2020, added significantly to India’s capabilities by introducing more advanced weaponry and stealth features.

At the same time, India is developing its own fighter jets, such as the HAL Tejas, a lightweight multirole aircraft already being deployed by the IAF. The government has set a goal to induct 200 Tejas aircraft by 2030, which will further reduce reliance on imported systems. The Air Force’s airlift capability is also strong, with aircraft like the C-130J Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III enabling rapid deployment of troops and equipment during both military and humanitarian missions.

India’s naval power is another major area of focus. With more than 150 warships, including submarines, destroyers, and aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy plays a crucial role in securing maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The recent launch of the INS Vikrant, India’s second aircraft carrier, has expanded its power projection capability in the Indo-Pacific region.

India is also strengthening its undersea deterrent with a growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, has become a key part of its nuclear strategy. By 2030, India aims to commission five such submarines, which will boost its ability to respond to nuclear threats through a credible second-strike capability. The Navy’s strategic influence is supported by its participation in international exercises with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia through platforms such as the Quad.

India’s nuclear arsenal remains a central pillar of its defence posture. The country maintains a nuclear triad, meaning it can launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. Land-based missile systems such as the Agni and Prithvi series form the core of its deterrence strategy. Among these, the Agni-V stands out with a range of over 5,000 kilometres, offering the ability to strike far-reaching targets.

India follows a no-first-use nuclear policy and adheres to a doctrine of credible minimum deterrence. The country has an estimated 160 nuclear warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. These policies reflect India’s intention to prevent nuclear conflict while avoiding the pursuit of an unchecked arms race.

In conclusion, India’s military power is rising steadily, built on strong foundations of manpower, modern equipment, and strategic foresight. The USD 72.6 billion defence budget, along with efforts to expand domestic production and build long-term capabilities, shows a clear path towards military self-reliance. India’s army, navy, and air force all play key roles in maintaining regional stability and responding to global challenges. As the country continues to modernise its forces and deepen its international partnerships, India is well on its way to becoming one of the most influential military powers of the 21st century.

Ishaan Khatri is a political science student and aspiring defence analyst with a strong interest in South Asian security affairs. He writes about global military strategy, national defence policy, and the future of regional power dynamics