When people think of Asia rising powers then the top two lead countries are China & India. It’s not just because both countries have massive populations but because both nations have built up their military strength. Whenever it comes to border tensions, global influence or sheer preparedness, the question keeps coming up: who is stronger? Let’s check out the China Vs India Military Comparison In 2025 in terms of technology, manpower, capability.
China Vs India Military Comparison In 2025
China and India are not just neighbours but they are strategic competitors. Over the years there have been tensions along the shared Himalayan border but this rivalry is not just about geography but it’s also about the defense budgets, technology, military modernisation. So, in 2025, how do their military strengths really compare? Let’s look at the data driven China Vs India Military Comparison In 2025 from boots on the ground to ships at the sea and jets in the sky.
China Military Vs India Military 2025 – Highlights
| Post Title | China Vs India Military Comparison In 2025 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Post Type | Comparison |
| Countries | China & India |
| Comparison in Terms of | Military: Technology, Air Force, Navy, Land System and more |
| Global Military Rankings 2025 | China 3rd, India 4th |
| Who’s Better? | Check out this Guide |
| Comparison Based on | Global FirePower Rankings |
| Post Category | News |
| Official Web Portal | www.globalfirepower.com |
Global Military Rankings 2025: China Vs India
As per the Global Firepower Index 2025, China ranks 3rd globally while India holds the 4th position.
China: Power Index Score: 0.0788 (Lower is better)
India: Power Index Score: 0.1184
China Vs India: Defense Budgets & Spendings
China Military budget is 3 to four times that of India. But the external debt of India is lower than China.
| Country | Budget | External Debt |
| China | $266.85 Billion (2nd Rank) | $1.218 Trillion (130 Rank) |
| India | $75 Billion (4th Rank) | $371.02 Billion (116 Rank) |
Manpower & Military Force Composition
India maintains the largest reserve and paramilitary forces but China has large Active Personnel.
Active Personnel:
- China: 2.035 million (Rank 1)
- India: 1.455 Million (Rank 2)
Reserve Force:
- China: 510,000 (Rank 14)
- India: 1,155,000 (Rank 7)
Paramilitary Forces:
- China: 625,000 (Rank 4)
- India: 2,527,000 (Rank 2)
Land Systems: China & India
| Capability | China | Rank | India | Rank |
| Tanks | 6,800 | 1 | 4,201 | 5 |
| Armored Vehicles | 1,44,017 | 3 | 1,48,594 | 2 |
| Self Propelled Artillery | 3,490 | 2 | 100 | 32 |
| Towed Artillery | 1,000 | 9 | 3,975 | 3 |
| Mobile Rocket Projectors | 2,750 | 2 | 264 | 18 |
China leads in tank numbers, Mobile rocket projectors, self propelled artillery while India leads in Armored vehicles, towed artillery.
India Vs China – Air Power 2025
China Air strength is over India. Look how:
| Capability | China | Rank | India | Rank |
| Total Aircrafts | 3,309 | 3 | 2,229 | 4 |
| Fighter Aircrafts | 1,212 | 2 | 513 | 4 |
| Attack | 371 | 3 | 130 | 4 |
| Transports | 289 | 3 | 270 | 4 |
| Trainers | 402 | 4 | 351 | 6 |
| Special Mission | 112 | 4 | 74 | 5 |
| Aerial Tankers | 10 | 7 | 6 | 11 |
| Helicopters | 913 | 3 | 899 | 4 |
| Attack Helicopters | 281 | 3 | 80 | 8 |
India & China Naval Strength 2025
| Capability | China | Rank | India | Rank |
| Fleet Strength | 754 | 1 | 293 | 6 |
| Aircraft Carriers | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Helo Carriers | 4 | 2 | 0 | 145 |
| Submarines | 61 | 3 | 18 | 7 |
| Destroyers | 50 | 2 | 13 | 4 |
| Frigates | 47 | 1 | 14 | 4 |
| Corvettes | 72 | 2 | 18 | 5 |
| Patrol Vessels | 150 | 5 | 135 | 8 |
| Mine Warfare | 36 | 2 | 0 | 145 |
India VS China Logistics & Infrastructure 2025
| Capability | China | Rank | India | Rank |
| Airports | 531 | 14 | 311 | 20 |
| Merchant Marine | 8,314 | 2 | 1,859 | 12 |
| Ports & Terminal | 66 | 11 | 56 | 13 |
| Labor Force | 779.2 Million | 1 | 593.7 Million | 2 |
| Roadways | 5,200,000 Km | 3 | 6,371,847 Km | 2 |
Nuclear Power: India Vs China
Based on SIPRI Yearbook 2025, China has 600 nuclear warheads and India just has 180 nuclear warheads. China is in the lead and ranks 5th Country to have more warheads and India ranks 6th Country.
FAQ Related To China Vs India Military Comparison In 2025
Who ranks higher militarily in 2025: India or China?
China ranks 3rd and India ranks 4th based on the GFP Index 2025.
Which country has a stronger navy: China or India?
China has the strongest navy rather than India as of 2025.
Do both China & India have nuclear weapons?
Yes, both China & India have nuclear weapons.
Which country among India & China have more nuclear warheads?
As per the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, China is estimated to have 600 nuclear warheads while India is estimated to have around 180 nuclear warheads.
In terms of what factors, India and China Military can be compared?
India and China Military can be compared in terms of factors such as Manpower, Naval strength, land equipment, air crafts, nuclear warheads, technology and logistics.
