India world’s 2nd largest arms importer despite drop in goods: SIPRI

According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) titled “Trends in International Arms Transfers”, India’s arms imports declined by 4% between 2016–20 and 2021–25.

• Despite the decline, India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer, accounting for 8.2% of global weapon imports.

Key Drivers of India’s Arms Imports

• India’s arms procurement is largely influenced by security tensions with:
  • China
  • Pakistan

Shift in Arms Suppliers

• Russia remained the largest supplier to India during 2021–25, accounting for 40% of India’s arms imports.
• However, this share has declined significantly over time:
  • 70% (2011–15)
  • 51% (2016–20)
  • 40% (2021–25)
• India has increasingly diversified its suppliers, strengthening defence ties with:
  • France
  • Israel
  • United States

Recent and Planned Defence Purchases

• India has placed or planned major orders, including:
  • Up to 140 combat aircraft from France
  • Six submarines from Germany

Global Arms Import Trends

• Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 9.7% of global arms transfers during 2021–25, largely due to ongoing conflict.

Source: HT