Out of 133 countries, India is ranked fourth on a global index for its military strength, only the United States, Russia and China are ranked above India on the list. Meanwhile, neighbouring Pakistan is ranked 13th on the Global Firepower index 2017.
India maintained its position above France in the top five military powers in the world, while Pakistan made it to the top 15 countries on the list in 2017.
Other global powers – United Kingdom, Japan, Turkey, Germany and Egypt make the top ten list.
According to the index, India has 13,62,500 active military personnel trailing behind China, which has 22,60,000 active troops.
The Indian Army is equipped with 4,426 combat tanks, 6,704 armoured fighting vehicles, and 7,414 towed artillery guns, as per the list. However, the Chinese Army boasts of 6,457 tanks, 4,788 armoured fighting vehicles, and 6,246 towed artillery guns.
The report cites that Indian Air Force has 2,102 aircraft slightly lesser than China’s 2,955.
When it comes to maritime strength, the index adds that Indian Navy has three aircraft carriers against China’s one. However, China has more submarines (68) and destroyers (35), and a total 714 naval assets.
The Global Firepower index relied on 50 parameters like military resources, natural resources, logistical flexibility, geographical features, and available manpower. The list did not take nuclear stockpiles into account “but recognised/suspected nuclear powers received a bonus.”
Our formula allows smaller, though more technologically-advanced, nations to compete with larger, lesser-developed ones. Modifiers (in the form of bonuses and penalties) are added to further refine the list.Global Firepower statement
(With inputs from Global Firepower.)
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