Massive Military Modernisation — India is undertaking a major defence upgrade (₹3.6 trillion ₹2.38 trillion approved), including Rafale jets, submarines, artillery, S-400 systems, and advanced platforms, making it the world’s second-largest arms importer and fifth-largest military spender.

Nuclear Expansion — India’s nuclear arsenal is growing rapidly (from 180 to 190 warheads), with new SSBNs, MIRV-capable missiles, and unsafeguarded reactors, raising concerns about regional stability beyond minimum deterrence.

Regional and Global Concerns — The build-up, supported by partnerships with France and Israel, is portrayed as destabilising South Asia, threatening peace and security, and potentially institutionalising strategic instability, especially in the context of India-Pakistan tensions.

India’s defence establishment is pursuing an ambitious modernisation drive, with profound implications for regional and global peace and security. On 12 February 2026, New Delhi approved a defence upgrade plan of Indian Rupee 3.6 trillion (approximately USD 40 billion) to modernise the capabilities of its army, navy and air force across multiple domains. This initiative includes the purchase of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, multiple P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, 6 Type-214 diesel-electric attack submarines from Germany, a significant number of artillery and rocket systems and advanced surveillance platforms from various defence partners. With these acquisitions, India aims to tilt the regional military balance in its favour and to project military power with greater reach and lethality. 

On 27 March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence proposals worth Indian Rupee 2.38 trillion (approximately USD 25.2 billion). The package spans the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard and includes air defence tracked systems, Dhanush artillery, medium transport aircraft, S-400 missile defence systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft and heavy-duty air cushion vehicles. These acquisitions reflect a significant military build-up in the wake of a crushing defeat India suffered in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. 

India’s military expansion carries broader implications for regional and international peace and security. According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in April 2026, India was the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025. New Delhi’s military spending increased from USD 86.1 billion in 2024 to USD 92.1 billion in 2025, placing it only........

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