Following the Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 dead, India launched a series of retaliatory strikes targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This mission, code-named Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which have been involved in cross-border attacks on Indian soil.

The Indian Army tweeted, “Justice is served,” emphasizing its strategic objectives and the restraint exercised in the selection of targets. Among the specific targets were prominent sites in Pakistan's Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, all identified as terror training camps for groups involved in targeting India.

Indian forces employed precision strike weapon systems such as Rafale jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions. These weapons, coupled with loitering munitions from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensured that the strikes were carried out with pinpoint accuracy, all coordinated by Indian intelligence agencies. Importantly, all these strikes were executed from Indian soil, underscoring India's capability and readiness.

India's Military Strength in Comparison to Pakistan

According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India has moved up the ranks to become the 4th most powerful military in the world, while Pakistan has slipped from 9th to 12th place. The index assesses a nation's military capabilities based on over 60 factors, including military expenditure, GDP, population, and military assets.

Defence Budget and Military Strength

India's defence budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year has been set at ₹6.8 lakh crore ($79 billion), reflecting a 9.5% increase over the previous year's estimates. In comparison, Pakistan's defence budget is considerably smaller at ₹2,281 billion, with an increase of ₹159 billion. This difference in budget allocations directly impacts their respective military capabilities.

India boasts a standing military force of 1.45 million active personnel, with an additional 1.15 million reserves. Meanwhile, Pakistan has just 654,000 active soldiers. When it comes to paramilitary forces, India has an overwhelming 2.5 million members, compared to 500,000 in Pakistan.

Air, Land, and Sea Forces: A Closer Look

In terms of armoured vehicles, India has an edge with 148,594 units, over Pakistan's 49,000. India also outnumbers Pakistan in tanks, having 4,201 compared to Pakistan's 2,627. Furthermore, India is home to advanced weapon systems such as T-90 Bhishma tanks, Arjun tanks, BrahMos missiles, and the Pinaka rocket system, enhancing its combat readiness.

India's Air Force vs Pakistan's Air Force

India maintains a significantly larger air force, with 2,229 aircraft, of which 513 are fighter jets. Pakistan, on the other hand, has only 1,399 aircraft in total, with 328 fighter jets. The disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering India's 6 aerial tankers versus Pakistan's 4. India also has a greater number of helicopters, 899 compared to Pakistan's 373.

India’s Naval Strength

India's naval power is another area where it holds a distinct advantage over Pakistan. The Indian Navy boasts a fleet of 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant). This provides India with a blue-water navy capability, meaning it can operate globally, unlike Pakistan’s green-water navy with just 121 vessels and no aircraft carriers.

India’s superior submarine fleet, with 18 submarines compared to Pakistan's 8, further strengthens its maritime dominance. India’s ability to project military power through its naval capabilities gives it a strategic edge in the Indian Ocean region.

The Strategic Importance of Restraint

The Indian military's restraint in selecting targets during the strikes reflects the larger strategic philosophy of avoiding unnecessary escalation while sending a clear message to Pakistan. By targeting only terror infrastructure, India aims to neutralize the threat from extremist groups while also maintaining a level of diplomatic pragmatism in managing tensions.

The precision of the strikes demonstrates India's growing military sophistication and ability to carry out high-stakes operations with minimal collateral damage. It’s also a demonstration of India's technological prowess, especially its fighter jets, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, which played a key role in the success of Operation Sindoor.

Conclusion: A Nation on High Alert

The ongoing military readiness in the wake of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack is a clear indication that India is not only prepared to defend its borders but is also strategically advancing its military capabilities. While the current situation does not suggest an imminent war, the mock drills conducted across 244 districts and air raid drills highlight India’s vigilance.

As global dynamics evolve, India's military continues to strengthen its position as a regional power, while Pakistan remains significantly behind in military strength and preparedness. These developments underscore the importance of defence modernization and the effective use of military diplomacy in managing national security.

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