DEFENCE
Defence Acquisitions
SIPRI Yearbook 2026: India Ranks 5th Globally in Military Spending; Nuclear Warheads Rise to 190
According to the 'SIPRI Yearbook 2026' released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India maintained its position as the world's fifth-largest military spender in 2025.
India's defense expenditure reached USD 92.1 billion, and its estimated nuclear inventory grew to 190 warheads, surpassing Pakistan's projected arsenal of 170 warheads.
Globally, military spending surged to USD 2.9 trillion in 2025 (accounting for 2.5% of global GDP), registering an upward trend for the 11th consecutive year.
The United States topped the chart with a military budget of USD 954 billion, followed by China (USD 336 billion) and Russia (USD 190 billion).
India's defense expenditure reached USD 92.1 billion, and its estimated nuclear inventory grew to 190 warheads, surpassing Pakistan's projected arsenal of 170 warheads.
Globally, military spending surged to USD 2.9 trillion in 2025 (accounting for 2.5% of global GDP), registering an upward trend for the 11th consecutive year.
The United States topped the chart with a military budget of USD 954 billion, followed by China (USD 336 billion) and Russia (USD 190 billion).
Key Facts / Static GK
SIPRI Headquarters: Solna, Sweden
SIPRI Established: 1966
SIPRI Director: Dan Smith
SIPRI Established: 1966
SIPRI Director: Dan Smith
Practice Quiz — 11 June 2026
Q1. Who holds the record for the longest overall tenure (including interim governments) as the Prime Minister of India?
Answer: (B) Jawaharlal Nehru — Jawaharlal Nehru holds the absolute record for the longest overall tenure of 6,131 days as Prime Minister, although Narendra Modi has surpassed his record for the longest continuous, uninterrupted tenure in office.
Q2. In June 2026, which Indian entity secured a 10-year marine services contract worth USD 70 million, marking its entry into South America?
Answer: (B) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) — Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) secured the 10-year contract worth USD 70 million for Argentina's first LNG export project, marking its entry into South America.
Q3. Which city has been integrated as the first 'spoke' city under India's newly introduced 'Easy Connect' aviation model?
Answer: (C) Varanasi — Varanasi is the first spoke city under the 'Easy Connect' model, allowing international passengers to complete immigration and baggage formalities locally before transiting through hubs like Delhi.
Q4. According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, which country was the world's largest military spender in 2025 with an expenditure of USD 954 billion?
Answer: (C) United States — The United States was the world's largest military spender in 2025, spending USD 954 billion, according to the SIPRI Yearbook 2026.
Q5. The President of India recently approved the merger of REC Limited with which Maharatna PSU?
Answer: (B) Power Finance Corporation (PFC) — The President has approved the merger of REC Ltd with its parent organization, the Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
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