India and Pakistan, two neighboring nations with a long history of conflict and rivalry, are once again at a crossroads that could significantly impact their defense policies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has formed a 71-member cabinet without a single Muslim representative, has raised concerns about the treatment of India’s Muslim population and the potential for escalating tensions within the country. This exclusion of Muslims from the cabinet has stirred apprehensions, particularly given the recent reports suggesting that Modi’s administration might not prioritize the welfare of Indian Muslims. Additionally, some officials from Modi’s party have expressed ambitions to integrate Pakistan-administered Kashmir into India within a short time frame during their third term, further intensifying fears of a possible conflict with Pakistan.

Recent violent incidents against Hindu pilgrims in Jammu have exacerbated the situation. Multiple deaths resulted from attacks on buses carrying Hindu pilgrims, with four such incidents reported recently. Farooq Abdullah, a senior political figure, has suggested initiating dialogue with Pakistan to address these issues. However, sources indicate that the probability of war remains substantial. In the current era, warfare necessitates advanced technology and equipment, including state-of-the-art fighter planes and sophisticated missile systems. These modern requirements underscore the importance of a substantial defense budget, which is why India’s military expenditure exceeds $75 billion.

According to the Global Firepower Index, India ranks as the fourth most powerful military globally, reflecting its significant investment in defense.

In stark contrast, Pakistan’s defense budget has seen a decline over the past five years. In the fiscal year 2019, Pakistan’s defense budget was reduced by over $3 billion to bolster national economic growth. The fiscal year 2022-23 saw Pakistan’s total national budget set at Rs 9.5 trillion, with Rs 1.5 trillion ($7.1 billion) allocated to defense, representing 15.7% of the total budget. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the national budget increased to Rs 14.4 trillion, while the defense budget was fixed at Rs 1.8 trillion ($6.3 billion), just 12.5% of the total budget. This allocation marks the lowest percentage for defense in Pakistan’s history, despite a 53.6% increase in the overall national budget from the previous year.

The disparity between India’s $75 billion defense budget and Pakistan’s $6.6 billion defense budget is stark, particularly given the looming threat of conflict. Despite these limited resources, Pakistan’s military remains a formidable force, ranking ninth in the Global Firepower Index. Several factors, such as GDP, population, military strength, and purchasing power, contribute to a nation’s warfighting capability. In Pakistan’s case, 90% of the defense budget is allocated to compulsory payments, with the military generating additional funds for welfare purposes, including support for martyrs’ families and youth. This includes contributions from organizations like the Army Foundation.

The steady decline of Pakistan’s defense budget since the 1980s is evident, reaching a historic low of 1.7% of GDP in FY 2023-24. This trend signals a critical need for reassessment. Pakistan’s armed forces face significant challenges with limited resources, encompassing border security, anti-terrorist operations, and internal and external security threats.

Budgetary cuts have impacted basic provisions, with reports indicating reduced allowances for soldiers, such as the merger of two eggs into one for breakfast. This illustrates the extent to which the military has had to economize.

Addressing widespread misconceptions about defense spending is crucial. Contrary to popular belief, Pakistan does not spend an exorbitant percentage of its budget on defense. The total budget stands at a little over Rs 18 trillion, with Rs 9 trillion allocated for interest payments alone this year. The audit system in Pakistan is fraught with inefficiencies, contributing to pervasive corruption across various sectors. It is crucial for the country to conduct a thorough audit of its external debt, amounting to $126 billion, and a significant portion of its internal debt, to understand where these funds are being utilized.

Finally, it is essential for speakers discussing the defense budget to rely on verified facts and accurate information. Misinformation can undermine credibility and hinder informed decision-making. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, both India and Pakistan must navigate their defense strategies with transparency and prudence to ensure national security and stability. Given the current fiscal constraints and the looming threat of conflict, Pakistan must reassess its defense spending priorities to balance economic growth with national security needs. This will require a concerted effort to address inefficiencies, reduce corruption, and ensure that the military is adequately funded to meet the diverse challenges it faces. Only through such measures can both nations hope to maintain stability and avoid the dire consequences of armed conflict.