Top 25 Powerful Countries in the World by Military Strength

4. India

GDP (2023): $3.73 trillion

Defense Spending (2023): $83.57 billion

Nuclear Weapons: 156

Manpower: 1,455,550

Tanks: 4,614

Artillery: 4,085

Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 1,645

Aircraft Carriers: 2

Submarines: 18

Military Satellites in Orbit: 9

Overseas Military Bases: 3

Cyber Capabilities Rank: 22

Technological Capabilities Rank: 40

Overall Score: 0.73

India has the second-largest standing military in the world, with more than 1.4 million active personnel. New Delhi spent a whopping $83.57 billion in defense expenditure last year, making it the fourth largest spender in the world. The country boasts a large arsenal of nuclear weapons, a sizable number of battle tanks, artillery units, and military aircraft. It also operates two aircraft carriers and 18 submarines. The country has been expanding its sphere of influence to counter China’s presence in the region. Currently, it operates three overseas military bases in Mauritius, Oman, and Tajikistan.