Fact Check: India has powerful military and defense and difficult for Pakistan to win conventional war

Fact Check: "India has powerful military and defense and difficult for Pakistan to win conventional war"

What We Know

India and Pakistan have a long history of military rivalry, with both nations possessing significant military capabilities. According to the Global Firepower 2025 rankings, India is ranked as the fourth strongest military power in the world, while Pakistan is ranked twelfth. This ranking is based on various factors including manpower, equipment, and financial resources.

Military Strength Comparison

Manpower: India has a total military personnel of approximately 5.1 million, compared to Pakistan's 1.7 million, making India's military personnel nearly three times larger than Pakistan's (Al Jazeera).
Defense Budget: India’s defense budget for 2024 was reported at $86 billion, significantly higher than Pakistan's $10.2 billion (Al Jazeera). This financial advantage allows India to invest more in advanced military technology and equipment.
Airpower: India possesses 2,229 total aircraft, including 513 fighter jets, while Pakistan has 1,399 total aircraft, with 328 being fighter jets (Global Firepower).
Land Power: India has 4,201 tanks compared to Pakistan's 2,627, and a far greater number of armored vehicles (Global Firepower).
Naval Power: India has a fleet strength of 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers, while Pakistan has only 121 vessels, with no aircraft carriers (Global Firepower).

These statistics illustrate a clear disparity in military capabilities between the two nations, suggesting that India has a significant advantage in conventional warfare.

Analysis

The claim that "India has powerful military and defense and is difficult for Pakistan to win a conventional war" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Global Firepower report provides a comprehensive comparison of military strengths, highlighting India's superiority in key areas such as manpower, budget, and equipment.

Furthermore, Al Jazeera emphasizes that India's military spending is substantially higher than Pakistan's, allowing for better training, technology, and readiness. This financial disparity is crucial in modern warfare, where advanced technology often determines the outcome of conflicts.

However, it is essential to consider the context of nuclear capabilities. Both countries possess nuclear weapons, which complicates conventional warfare scenarios. The presence of nuclear arms serves as a deterrent against full-scale war, as both nations are aware of the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear conflict. This factor, while not directly related to conventional military strength, adds a layer of complexity to any potential military engagement.

The sources used in this analysis are reliable and well-regarded in the field of military analysis. Global Firepower is known for its annual assessments of military capabilities, and Al Jazeera is a reputable news organization that provides in-depth reporting on geopolitical issues.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that India has a powerful military and defense, making it difficult for Pakistan to win a conventional war, is substantiated by credible evidence. The significant disparities in military personnel, budget, and equipment between India and Pakistan indicate that India holds a substantial advantage in conventional warfare scenarios. While the presence of nuclear weapons complicates the situation, the conventional military strengths of India position it favorably in any potential conflict with Pakistan.

Fact Check: India has powerful military and defense and difficult for Pakistan to win conventional war