Military Expenditure in India, 1960-2022

India's military expenditure grew from 2.0% in 1960 to a peak of 4.2% in 1987, largely driven by conflicts with Pakistan and China and a focus on regional security. Spending stabilized around 3% in the 1970s and 1980s despite recurring tensions.

Post-1991 economic reforms brought reductions, with spending decreasing to 2.5% by the 2010s. The slight increase to 2.8% in 2020 reflects growing security challenges, including border disputes and the need for defense modernization amid rising global tensions.