How many days can Pakistan army stand against India’s 1.3 million Indian army if a war broke out? Check out the military strength of two countries
Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared up once again after a recent statement by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir. Speaking about India and the Kashmir issue, he dismissed the strength of India’s 1.3 million-strong army, saying that if such a large force couldn’t scare Pakistan, then a few militants wouldn’t change India’s future either. General Munir said that many fear that Pakistan won’t get investment due to terrorist activity. “Do you think terrorists can take away the destiny of the country? The 1.3 million-strong Indian Army, with all its wherewithal, if they cannot intimidate us, do you think these terrorists can subdue the armed forces of Pakistan?” he said.
His remarks have stirred fresh controversy and reopened old debates — especially about the military strength of both countries and a key question: if a war broke out, how long could Pakistan hold out against India?
India’s military strength
According to Global Firepower, an organization that ranks global military powers, India has approximately 1.44 million active personnel, making it the second-largest military in the world. In comparison, Pakistan’s active forces are less than half that number. India also has a significantly larger paramilitary force, with over 2.5 million personnel, while Pakistan has around 500,000.
India’s firepower includes 4,500 tanks and around 538 fighter aircraft, giving it a strong edge. The Power Index score, where a lower number indicates more power, stands at 0.1025 for India compared to 0.1695 for Pakistan.
Indian Army: Ground strength
India’s land forces include 1.44 million active soldiers, backed by another 1.15 million in reserve and over 2.5 million paramilitary troops. The Indian Army boasts advanced weaponry such as the Arjun Main Battle Tank, BrahMos missiles, T-90 Bhishma tanks, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, and Howitzer artillery guns.
Indian Air Force: Aerial Power
India’s Air Force is another strong pillar of its defense. The country operates around 2,229 aircraft, including over 600 fighter jets, 831 support aircraft, and nearly 900 helicopters. Key fighter jets include the Rafale, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and the indigenously-upgraded Su-30MKI.
India also possesses a sophisticated missile arsenal with systems like the BrahMos, Rudram, Astra, Nirbhay, and the Akash Air Defence System.
India’s Naval Power
India’s Navy is another formidable arm of its defense forces and continues to expand its capabilities at a steady pace. The Indian Navy currently comprises over 142,000 personnel and operates around 150 warships, including nuclear-powered submarines. It also boasts two major aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant — both of which significantly enhance India’s maritime strength and operational reach.
How strong is Pakistan’s military?
According to the Global Firepower Index, Pakistan was ranked the 9th most powerful military in the world last year but has slipped to the 12th position this year. Despite this drop, the country still maintains a substantial stockpile of military assets.
Pakistan’s active military personnel number around 654,000, and it operates 1,434 aircraft, which include 387 fighter jets, 60 transport aircraft, 549 trainer aircraft, and 352 helicopters. In addition, it has 4 air-to-air refueling tankers and 57 attack helicopters, giving its air force decent versatility.
Pakistan’s naval capabilities
On the naval front, Pakistan maintains 114 naval vessels, including 8 submarines and 9 frigates. While smaller than India’s fleet, it still poses a strategic presence in the region. On land, Pakistan’s army operates 3,742 tanks, over 50,000 armored vehicles, 752 self-propelled artillery units, and 692 mobile rocket launchers, indicating a well-equipped ground force.
Pakistan also maintains a variety of missile systems, further reinforcing its defense structure.
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