China Defence Budget: China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget, bringing its total military spending to more than $245 billion. This decision was shared during the National People’s Congress, showing China’s focus on strengthening its military power. Experts believe China’s actual spending is much higher than what it reports.
According to ET, defence analysts say, “China’s real defence budget is at least 40-50% more than what it declares because it hides funds under different categories.” Even with the official numbers, China’s military budget is more than three times India’s $79 billion defence budget. Only the United States spends more on defence, with over $900 billion this yea
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India’s total budget for 2025-2026 is around $580 billion, but its defence spending is only 1.9% of its GDP. Experts say India should spend at least 2.5% of its GDP on defence to protect itself from threats like China and Pakistan. A senior military officer said, “India needs to increase its defence budget to 2.5% of GDP for strong deterrence against China and Pakistan. We have many gaps in our military that need to be fixed quickly.”
China’s Plan to Modernize Its Military
China is using its huge defence budget to modernize its military, called the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA has 2 million soldiers. China wants to challenge the US military, stop other countries from interfering in Taiwan, and take control in areas like the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. The LAC is a 3,488-km border where tensions between India and China remain high. Last year both countries pulled back troops from some areas in Ladakh, but Chinese soldiers are still stationed there, and the situation has not improved.
China is also working on advanced technology for space, cyber warfare, and nuclear weapons. It has placed its J-20 stealth fighter jets near India and is already developing even more advanced sixth-generation fighter planes. China is also planning to give Pakistan 40 J-35A stealth jets, which will make India’s security situation more difficult.
India’s Defence Budget Falls Short
India spends only 1.9% of its GDP on defence, which is much lower than what experts recommend. Most of India’s defence budget goes towards salaries, pensions, and daily costs, leaving little money for modernising its military. This has created shortages in important areas like fighter jets, submarines, helicopters, and missile systems.
The Indian Air Force is in a tough spot. It currently has only 30 fighter squadrons, while it needs 42.5. India’s fighter jets are old, and delays in making new Tejas jets have made the problem worse. Meanwhile, China is quickly improving its air force with advanced technology, making the gap between the two countries even bigger.
China now has the largest navy in the world, with over 370 warships and submarines. While its navy is not as advanced as the US Navy, its rapid growth is worrying for countries in the Indo-Pacific region. China is also helping Pakistan build a stronger navy. The two countries regularly hold joint naval exercises, showing their close partnership. As China expands its influence in the Indian Ocean, India faces a big challenge in keeping up.
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China is also increasing its nuclear weapons. It now has over 600 nuclear warheads and plans to have more than 1,000 by 2035. In comparison, India and Pakistan each have around 160-170 nuclear warheads. This growing difference in nuclear power adds to the security challenges in the region.
India’s Growing Security Concerns
China’s military growth and its strong ties with Pakistan are creating bigger problems for India. While India has made progress in making its own weapons, it is not modernising its military fast enough. Without more money for defence, India could fall further behind in a world where security threats are increasing.
China is getting stronger on land, sea, and air, and it is also improving its nuclear and cyber warfare capabilities. This puts more pressure on India to speed up its defence plans.
