The U.S. Army Has the Tech, But Here’s What the Indian Army Has!
Mohd Naushad | Mar 05, 2025, 21:22 IST
The Indian Army stands out as one of the world's most formidable forces, surpassing even the U.S. Army in resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination. From surviving extreme terrains like Siachen to mastering guerrilla warfare, Indian soldiers display unmatched grit and brotherhood. Unlike the U.S. Army’s tech-heavy approach, India's military thrives on discipline, cost-effective strategies, and historic martial traditions. Discover why the Indian Army's strength goes beyond firepower, making it a true symbol of courage and national pride
When it comes to military strength, two of the world's most formidable forces are the Indian Army and the U.S. Army. While both are powerful in their own right, the Indian Army stands out in several ways that make it unique and, in many aspects, even better than its American counterpart. This is not just about numbers or technology but about resilience, adaptability, and the spirit of its soldiers. Let’s explore why the Indian Army excels compared to the U.S. Army.

The biggest strength of the Indian Army is the dedication and discipline of its soldiers. Indian soldiers are known for their unmatched bravery and selfless service. They serve in some of the toughest terrains in the world, from the scorching deserts of Rajasthan to the icy heights of Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield on Earth. The ability to survive and fight in such extreme conditions requires not just physical strength but an extraordinary mental toughness.
Unlike the U.S. Army, where soldiers are highly paid and enjoy many privileges, Indian soldiers often come from humble backgrounds, driven by a deep sense of duty rather than financial incentives. This emotional and patriotic connection makes them fight with unparalleled determination.
The Indian Army has faced a variety of conflicts, from full-scale wars to counter-insurgency operations. India has fought wars with Pakistan and China, has managed internal security challenges, and has played a crucial role in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. This experience in different forms of warfare makes the Indian Army highly versatile.
On the other hand, the U.S. Army, while technologically advanced, has been engaged mostly in external wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, among others. The American military has superior technology, but it has struggled in prolonged conflicts, often finding it hard to adapt to local resistance movements. The Indian Army’s ability to fight in guerrilla warfare, mountain warfare, and conventional battles gives it an edge in adaptability.
The Indian Army operates in some of the most challenging environments. For example, Indian soldiers stationed in Siachen endure temperatures as low as -50°C. The U.S. Army, while it has advanced equipment, does not face such extreme environmental conditions on a regular basis. Indian soldiers undergo rigorous training to survive and fight in these terrains, making them incredibly tough and resilient.
The Indian Army also excels in jungle warfare, thanks to its experiences in the Northeast and counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. The training at institutions like the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Mizoram is considered among the best in the world.
The U.S. Army has a massive defense budget—over $800 billion annually. It spends extensively on high-end weapons, fighter jets, and aircraft carriers. In contrast, the Indian Army operates with a much smaller budget but manages to achieve remarkable results.
Despite limited financial resources, India has developed indigenous defense technologies and strategies that are cost-effective and efficient. The Indian Army has successfully modernized its forces with homegrown tanks (Arjun), fighter jets (Tejas), and missile systems (BrahMos). This ability to achieve maximum efficiency with limited resources makes the Indian Army stand out.
Indian soldiers share a unique bond that goes beyond military duty. The regimental system in the Indian Army fosters a deep sense of brotherhood. Soldiers often stay in the same unit for years, developing relationships akin to family. This unity is a major factor in the Indian Army’s success on the battlefield.
The U.S. Army, on the other hand, operates with a more professional but transactional approach. While professionalism is important, the emotional and cultural connection that Indian soldiers share strengthens their morale and teamwork in a way that is rarely seen in the American military.
India has a long history of warfare, from the Maurya and Gupta empires to the Marathas and Rajputs. This martial tradition has been passed down through generations. Many regiments in the Indian Army are built around historic warrior clans such as the Sikhs, Gorkhas, Rajputs, and Marathas, who take great pride in their legacy.
The U.S. Army, though strong, lacks this deep historical and cultural connection to traditional warfare. Indian soldiers often inherit stories of bravery and sacrifice from their forefathers, instilling a fighting spirit from a young age.
The Indian Army enjoys immense respect from the Indian public. Unlike the U.S., where there is sometimes public skepticism about military interventions, the Indian Army is seen as a protector of national unity. Even in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, the Indian Army is the first to respond, winning the love and trust of civilians.
Unlike the U.S., which often engages in overseas conflicts, India follows a defensive yet strategic approach. The Indian Army does not invade other nations but focuses on protecting its borders and sovereignty. India’s strategy is based on deterrence and peace, making it a responsible military power. The U.S. Army, on the other hand, has been involved in controversial wars that have led to prolonged conflicts and criticism.
The U.S. Army is undoubtedly powerful in terms of technology and global reach, but the Indian Army excels in spirit, resilience, and adaptability. While America relies on advanced weapons and heavy funding, India relies on the sheer will and skill of its soldiers. The ability to do more with less, survive the harshest conditions, and fight with an unbreakable spirit makes the Indian Army truly exceptional.
India’s strength lies not just in weapons but in its warriors. The Indian Army represents the soul of the nation, proving time and again that courage, discipline, and unity matter more than just money and machines. In the end, it’s not about who has the biggest army, but who has the strongest heart—and in that, the Indian Army stands tall.
1. The Spirit of the Indian Soldier
Discipline
The biggest strength of the Indian Army is the dedication and discipline of its soldiers. Indian soldiers are known for their unmatched bravery and selfless service. They serve in some of the toughest terrains in the world, from the scorching deserts of Rajasthan to the icy heights of Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield on Earth. The ability to survive and fight in such extreme conditions requires not just physical strength but an extraordinary mental toughness.
Unlike the U.S. Army, where soldiers are highly paid and enjoy many privileges, Indian soldiers often come from humble backgrounds, driven by a deep sense of duty rather than financial incentives. This emotional and patriotic connection makes them fight with unparalleled determination.
2. Experience in Diverse Battlefields
On the other hand, the U.S. Army, while technologically advanced, has been engaged mostly in external wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, among others. The American military has superior technology, but it has struggled in prolonged conflicts, often finding it hard to adapt to local resistance movements. The Indian Army’s ability to fight in guerrilla warfare, mountain warfare, and conventional battles gives it an edge in adaptability.
3. Survival in Harsh Conditions
The Indian Army also excels in jungle warfare, thanks to its experiences in the Northeast and counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. The training at institutions like the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Mizoram is considered among the best in the world.
4. Cost-Effective Yet Highly Effective
Despite limited financial resources, India has developed indigenous defense technologies and strategies that are cost-effective and efficient. The Indian Army has successfully modernized its forces with homegrown tanks (Arjun), fighter jets (Tejas), and missile systems (BrahMos). This ability to achieve maximum efficiency with limited resources makes the Indian Army stand out.
5. The Culture of Brotherhood and Camaraderie
The U.S. Army, on the other hand, operates with a more professional but transactional approach. While professionalism is important, the emotional and cultural connection that Indian soldiers share strengthens their morale and teamwork in a way that is rarely seen in the American military.
6. Traditional Warfare Skills and Martial Heritage
The U.S. Army, though strong, lacks this deep historical and cultural connection to traditional warfare. Indian soldiers often inherit stories of bravery and sacrifice from their forefathers, instilling a fighting spirit from a young age.
7. Strong Civilian-Military Relations
8. A Defensive yet Strategic Approach
More Than Just Strength
India’s strength lies not just in weapons but in its warriors. The Indian Army represents the soul of the nation, proving time and again that courage, discipline, and unity matter more than just money and machines. In the end, it’s not about who has the biggest army, but who has the strongest heart—and in that, the Indian Army stands tall.