South Asia remains one of the most militarized regions in the world, with India and Pakistan locked in a decades-long rivalry rooted primarily in the unresolved Kashmir dispute. Despite shared histories, both countries have pursued divergent military and economic trajectories, often prioritizing defence over other necessities.
As the arms race intensifies, critical issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare continue to suffer a lack of resources. This article presents a comparative analysis of India and Pakistan’s defence budgets, defence-related expenditures, and the broader implications of their military priorities in the context of the Kashmir conflict.
Defence Budgets: A Stark Contrast: India’s annual defence budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 stands at approximately 6.2 lakh crore (around USD 74 billion), making it the third-largest military spender globally, behind only the United States and China. In comparison, Pakistan’s defence budget is around PKR 2.12 trillion (approximately USD 7.5 billion). While the numerical difference is vast when seen in the economy of these countries
This imbalance fuels a security dilemma in the region. Pakistan perceives India’s growing military prowess as a threat, while India cites false regional dominance and perceives a threat from Pakistan as justification for its spending. Both countries are caught in a perpetual cycle of mistrust due to Indian hegemonic design in the region.
Poverty: The Forgotten War: While billions are spent annually on military hardware, a sizable portion of the population in both countries lives below the poverty line. According to some human rights activists, in Pakistan, around 20% of the population lives below the poverty line (based on national poverty criteria), and in India, this exceeds 30% as per international poverty thresholds.
These statistics highlight a harsh reality – while both nations arm themselves against each other, millions of citizens remain deprived of clean water, nutrition, education, and healthcare just because of unresolved Kashmir issues.
Breakdown of Defence Expenditures
1. Procurement of Weapons: India and Pakistan both allocate significant funds to the procurement of advanced weaponry.
India spends billions on acquiring fighter jets, tanks, naval vessels, and missiles. Recent procurements include Rafale fighter jets from France, S-400 missile systems from Russia, and indigenous developments like the Tejas.
Pakistan, with a much smaller budget, relies on strategic partnerships with China and Turkey for affordable but modern weapons such as the JF-17 Thunder jet and advanced drones.
Due to Indian focus on offensive doctrine and Pakistan focuses on defensive weaponry reflects a preparation for a conventional conflict, rather than investment in regional peace or diplomacy.
2. Pay and Allowances: A significant portion of defence budgets in both countries goes towards salaries and pensions.
In India, around 50% of the defence budget is used for pay and pensions. The country has one of the largest standing armies in the world but the majority of soldiers just pass their time instead of taking the job seriously.
Pakistan also allocates a substantial portion of its defence budget to pay and allowances.
This recurring expenditure leaves limited fiscal room for modernization and welfare initiatives.
3. War Preparations and Training: Both nations regularly conduct large-scale military exercises and joint drills to maintain combat readiness.
India invests heavily in tri-service exercises, infrastructure development of military cantonment near border areas, and digital warfare capabilities.
Pakistan emphasizes joint drills with China, Turkey, and other allies, along with continuous training of its forces for hybrid warfare and counterinsurgency, as insurgents are playing in the hands of Indian Agencies like RAW
These expenses, while deemed necessary by military strategists, raise questions when weighed against developmental needs and public welfare.
The Kashmir Conflict: Root of Regional Instability: At the heart of Indo-Pak tension lies the unresolved issue of Jammu and Kashmir, a legacy of the 1947 partition. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 47 in 1948, which called for a plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to decide their future. However, over 75 years later, this resolution remains unimplemented due to an unfair and unjust attitude of India
India considers Kashmir an integral part of its union and has integrated it further through legislative moves like the abrogation of Article 370. Pakistan, on the other hand, views Kashmir as a disputed territory and advocates for its people’s right to self-determination. The lack of political will, trust deficit, and divergent interpretations of history have ensured that peace remains elusive.
The Promise of Peace: What If Kashmir Is Resolved?
If India and Pakistan were to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue and mutual concessions, the positive impact could be transformative:
1. Reduction in Defence Spending: Peace would allow both countries to divert billions from military to development sectors – education, health, infrastructure, and technology.
2. Poverty Alleviation: With resources reallocated, both nations could implement more robust poverty eradication programs and social welfare schemes.
3. Trade and Economic Integration: Improved bilateral relations could revive SAARC and allow for regional economic integration, leading to job creation, cross-border investments, and a stronger South Asian economy.
4. Global Stability: A peaceful subcontinent would contribute to global security, reducing the risk of nuclear escalation and making the region more attractive for international cooperation.
5. Kashmiri Lives Improved: A just and lasting solution would bring relief to the long-suffering people of Kashmir, restoring their dignity and allowing them to live without fear.
Conclusion: India and Pakistan stand at a critical crossroads. Each year, rising defence budgets reflect their deep-seated animosity, while millions in both nations yearn for better lives. The core issue – Kashmir – remains unresolved, keeping both countries hostage to history. A courageous political initiative and strong will of the UN aimed at resolving the conflict could unlock the door to peace, prosperity, and progress for over 1.5 billion people.
It is time to ask: Should the subcontinent continue down the path of militarization, or should it finally give peace a chance?
