After the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) workers in Pulwama on February 14, the tension between India and Pakistan has reached new heights. While protests in India are asking for revenge, Pakistan has allegedly augmented military behavior along the communal border.
PM Narendra Modi, in his speech for the investiture of Vande Bharat Express, promises Indian citizens that those at the back this dishonorable act will pay a 'very heavy price.' He said that all the agency and forces have been given complete power to take all the essential action they believe fit for revenge.
With the background of this cowardly attack, let's take a look at where India and Pakistan stand if it all comes to repeat the situation of 1965, 1971 or 1999.
1. India ranks 4th on Global Firepower Index 2018
According to Global Firepower Index 2018, India position fourth only at the back the USA, Russia, and China. Among the 136 nations survey, Pakistan stands at the 17th post behind nations like Iran, Israel.
2. More manpower
The account shows that India has a total of 4,207,250 military workers. Out of which 1,362,500 are on active duty at any given time. On the other hand, Pakistan has only 919,000 military workers including 637,000 on dynamic duty.
3. Winged warriors
The index considers aircrafts competent of attacking ground/surface targets as Attack Aircraft and helicopters urbanized especially for attacking ground targets as Attack Helicopters. India has 804 such aircraft and 590 Fighter Aircraft out of a total of 2,185. Majority of helicopters used by Indian Armed Forces fall under convey category. India is still competent in deploying 15 Attack Helicopters.
In the case of Pakistan, Pakistan's air force has 1,281 total aircraft. 320 are Fighter Aircraft and 410 are Attack Aircrafts. They also have 328 Helicopters out of which 49 are Attack Helicopters.
4. Superior land strength
India has 4,426 combat tanks; 3,147 armored fighting vehicles; 190 self-propelled artillery; 4,158 towed artillery; and 266 rocket projectors.
In the same department, Pakistan has only 2,182 tanks; 2,604 armored vehicles; 1,240 towed artillery; and 144 rocket projector. With a total of 307, they have more self-propelled artillery.
5. Naval strength
Here's what Indian Navy commands –
Aircraft carriers – 1
Frigates – 14
Destroyers – 11
Corvettes – 22
Submarines – 16
Patrol Vessels – 139
Mine warfare – 4
Here's what Pakistan Navy commands –
Aircraft carriers – 0
Frigates – 10
Destroyers – 0
Corvettes – 0
Submarines – 5
Patrol Vessels – 11
Mine warfare – 3
6. Money speaks
As per Global Firepower Index 2018, India's defense budget stands at $56 billion and the country's purchase power equivalence is ranked at 3rd in the world. Meanwhile, Pakistan allocated $9 for the defense budget. It has a purchasing power parity rank of 25 in the world.