History
Since the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Indian Army and Chinese Army have been the two powerful forces in the continent of Asia. The two countries have competed in various areas of military power. India even threatened China in the 1962 war. Both countries have since rebuilt their armed forces, investing in technology and personnel. As of now, the Indian army is considered one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 1.3 million active personnel, while the Chinese army is estimated to be even larger, with 2.5 million active personnel.
Technology
When it comes to technology, the Chinese army outclasses India in many ways. China currently holds the world’s largest number of active tanks, and several high-tech artillery systems, with their newly developed models of fighter jets and submarines being a point of focus for many military analysts. On the other hand, India has modernized its armored divisions, developed some advanced missile systems, and utilized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for foreign missions.
Infrastructure and Budget
When looking at the budgets allocated to both forces, we can again see a tilt towards the Chinese military. Over the years, the Chinese government has allocated a significant portion of its annual budgets for military purposes, allowing the Chinese Armed Forces to invest in more advanced military systems. On the contrary, India’s military budget has consistently been declining, as the government’s focus stays on economic growth.
Internet Availability
The availability of the internet is another factor that can’t be overlooked when comparing the two forces. While China has access to the world’s most versatile and secure internet infrastructure, India’s is still far behind. This allows the Chinese army to take full advantage of modern technology and have access to the most up-to-date military hardware and data, while the Indian army is still limited by poorer internet access.
Tactical Ability
Statistics don’t always tell the whole story when it comes to armed forces. The Indian mountain infantry, for example, is known for its prowess and tactical ability. This translates into better ground strategies, especially against Chinese forces, who are known for their lack thereof.
Training and Discipline
When it comes to training, the Indian army has a more complex system in place that allows for more efficient and effective training. This, when combined with the better discipline in Indian ranks, has allowed the Indian army to be more successful in ground operations against the Chinese.
Air Power
In terms of air power, the Indian Air Force is in the lead when compared to the Chinese air force. Due to their superior technology, Indian fighter jets have allowed India to possess air superiority in the region. While China is trying to bridge the gap, India currently leads in air power.
Nuclear Capability
Both countries possess a large amount of nuclear weapons, making them both equally capable in this field. The Chinese nuclear force is estimated to be 5,000 warheads, while the Indian nuclear arsenal is estimated at 130-140 warheads.
Conclusion
When all these factors are taken into consideration, it is difficult to make a decision as to who is “better” between the two forces. Both countries have invested heavily in modernizing their armies, and both possess top-notch military capabilities. For now, it seems that both sides are fairly evenly matched, with the Indian army focussing more on ground operations, while the Chinese Army is looking towards tech-oriented weapons and hardware.
