India launched a military strike against Pakistan, putting two nuclear-weapon neighbors on the brink of a total war.
The explosion means two largest armies in the region clash face to face again.
The stalemate India is a global defense giant against a country that may be much smaller but military-oriented, and does its best to use its large amount of resources to prepare for war.
As the most populous country in the world, India is one of the largest armies, with a population of about 1.5 million active service personnel, including 1.2 million troops, 60,000 naval and 127,000 in the air force. India also has 1.6 million paramilitary troops and 1.1 million reserves.
The country is a heavyweight in defense spending. Its defence spending reached £58 billion ($77.4 billion) in 2024, the second highest spending in Asia.
Members of the train of the National Cultivator Corps of Kolkata, India – Nurphoto/Sudipta Das
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s population is one fifth of its size, and the country has been in trouble during the economic crisis for many years.
Last year, it was estimated that Pakistan’s defense budget was one-tenth of its eastern neighbors.
Pakistan has been militarized by the army to resist India's control, which has paid a huge price for democracy.
The military has taken significant control over the civilian government and the head of the army, General Gen Syed Asim Munir, is widely regarded as the most powerful person in the country.
Although Indian troops are increasingly deployed to China, Pakistan revolves around India almost entirely around defense postures and doctrines.
There are a total of approximately 660,000 active service personnel in Pakistan, including 560,000 Army, 23,800 Navy and 70,000 Air Force. It also has 280,000 advanced paramilitary forces, according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
In limited exchanges, such as seen in the past 24 hours, Pakistan can surpass its weight, although analysts say Delhi's digital and economic advantages could develop rapidly in a full-scale war.
Pakistan has been leaning towards China in recent years because its weapons deviate from more expensive Western suppliers.
India has a large number of equipment from Russia, but has started buying more from France and the United States.
On the battlefield, India has about 3,700 major tanks, including the Arjun, T-72 and T-90 models.
Smoke rises after India's missile strike against Pakistan targets – punit paranjpe/afp
Pakistan has about 2500 models including Al-Khalid, T-80, T-54/55, Type-59/Al Zarrar, Type-69 and Type 85 models.
Every country also has an important air force. The mix in India includes the Dassault Rafale fighter, the Sukhoi Su-30 and Mig-29, the Mig-27 and Mig-21.
Pakistan has Chinese J-10 and JF-17, as well as US F-16, Mirage 3s and Mirage 5s.
The two countries may be closer to equality in their nuclear weapons.
Explosion in Rajasthan, western India during aerial exercise – Manish Swarup/AP
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, and Pakistan became a nuclear power in 1998.
India has never announced the size of its nuclear weapons, but an assessment has put the country's stockpile at 160 nuclear warheads, according to the Weapon Control and Nuclear Proliferation Centre.
Other reports show that there are as many as 170 in India. These can be deployed in land ballistic missiles, subsea launch missiles and aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles.
It is estimated that Pakistan also has about 170 warheads and different ranges of ballistic missiles with nuclear power. The country can also launch weapons from aircraft. In 2017, Pakistan tested a missile launched by a submarine, although it has not been considered useful.
Even a small nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan could kill 20 million people in a week, according to the Weapon Control and Nuclear Proliferation Centre.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive apps, currency savings and more, free 1 month of telegram.
