The position of Army Chief in both India and Pakistan holds great importance, especially when tensions between the two neighbours rise from time to time. While both nations depend heavily on their military leadership, there is a vast difference in the salaries of their respective Army Chiefs. Recent media reports reveal that the Indian Army Chief earns over three times more than his Pakistani counterpart — and this difference is not just because of numbers but also due to the strength of the Indian rupee, greater allowances, and better military benefits.
Let’s look at what both Army Chiefs earn and what other perks they receive.
Who is the current Army Chief of India, and how much is his salary?
The current Indian Army Chief is General Upendra Dwivedi, who recently took charge of the post. As per official figures, the monthly salary of the Indian Army Chief is ₹2.5 lakh, which falls under Pay Level 18 in the government’s salary structure. This does not include other allowances and benefits, which significantly add to the total income.
Senior army officers in India, especially from Major General to Lieutenant General, receive monthly salaries ranging from ₹1,44,200 to ₹2,18,200. Along with this, they are entitled to several financial and service-based benefits, which include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Field Area and High Altitude Allowance
- Special Duty Allowance
- Kit Maintenance Allowance
- Free Medical Facilities
- Pension and Retirement Benefits
All these additional perks make the overall financial package of India’s Army Chief much more valuable than what is drawn on paper.
Salary of Pakistan’s Army Chief and military perks
In Pakistan, General Asim Munir currently holds the Chief of Army Staff position. He is known for his frequent media appearances and politically charged statements. According to reports, General Asim Munir earns around PKR 2.5 lakh per month, the Pakistani military’s top salary in the Basic Pay Scale (BPS-22). However, this salary’s value is considerably lower compared to India due to the weaker Pakistani rupee.
As per current exchange rates, PKR 2.5 lakh equals about USD 888.64. In contrast, the Indian Army Chief’s salary of ₹2.5 lakh is valued at around USD 2958.67, showing a direct 3.32 times difference in monthly earnings.
Just like India, the top brass in Pakistan’s military also enjoys some non-cash benefits like:
- Official Bungalows or Luxury Accommodation
- High-Level Medical Services
- Free Access to Army Clubs
- Protocol and Security Privileges
But despite these perks, the purchasing power and economic stability provided to Indian officers far outshine those in Pakistan.
Why is there such a big difference?
There are a few main reasons behind the gap in salaries:
- Stronger Indian economy: India’s currency is much stronger than Pakistan’s, making Indian salaries more valuable locally and internationally.
- Structured military pay system: The Indian armed forces follow the 7th Pay Commission, which regularly reviews and updates salary slabs and allowances. While similar in structure, Pakistan’s system suffers from limited revisions and economic instability.
- Higher allowances and benefits in India: Indian defense officers enjoy a wider range of monetary and service allowances, especially when posted in challenging areas or during special missions.
What does this mean in real terms?
When converted to US dollars, the monthly salary of General Upendra Dwivedi (USD 2958.67) exceeds that of General Asim Munir (USD 888.64). This means India’s Army Chief earns 3.32 times more than his Pakistani counterpart, showing how military compensation differs sharply in these neighboring countries.
Even beyond the top post, Indian Army officers at all levels receive better financial support, greater stability, and a stronger post-retirement system compared to their Pakistani counterparts.
Sources: TV9 Hindi, Government of India Pay Commission Data, Pakistan Government BPS Structure
