India Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1956–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$92.0 billion
Ranked #5 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.5%
Ranked #47 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $87.8B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$92.0 billion
Reached in 2026
India Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, India is estimated to have spent $92.0 billion on military and defense, representing 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. India is the #5 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $87.8 billion to $92.0 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.2% in 1987. The historical average military budget is 2.9% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 2.50% | $91,985M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.40% | $87,804M |
| 2024 | 2.27% | $83,623M |
| 2023 | 2.36% | $82,293M |
| 2022 | 2.38% | $80,348M |
| 2021 | 2.47% | $76,953M |
| 2020 | 2.80% | $77,444M |
| 2019 | 2.55% | $76,977M |
| 2018 | 2.42% | $71,901M |
| 2017 | 2.53% | $69,455M |
| 2016 | 2.54% | $64,884M |
| 2015 | 2.46% | $58,879M |
| 2014 | 2.54% | $58,325M |
| 2013 | 2.55% | $55,615M |
| 2012 | 2.62% | $55,579M |
| 2011 | 2.70% | $55,862M |
| 2010 | 2.89% | $55,353M |
| 2009 | 3.13% | $55,132M |
| 2008 | 2.63% | $46,827M |
| 2007 | 2.48% | $41,285M |