India Ranks Second Globally in Arms Imports, Balances Peace with Strong Defense
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th June: While India, the land of Buddha, has always believed in peace, it also adheres to the principle of “fear creates love” for its strategic security. To safeguard its borders, India is not only pursuing self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ defense initiative but is also unhesitatingly procuring necessary defense weaponry.
This approach has positioned India among the top global defense importers for several years. A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an international security think tank, indicates that India is the world’s second-largest arms importer. The formidable capabilities stemming from India’s efforts were recently showcased during “Operation Sindoor.”
Ukraine Leads Arms Imports
According to SIPRI’s report for 2020-24, Ukraine imported the most weapons globally. Ukraine’s arms imports increased nearly 100-fold compared to 2015-19, with most of these weapons provided as aid. Ukraine has been at war with Russia since 2022, receiving extensive support from Western nations, with approximately 35 countries providing military assistance. Ukraine’s share of total global arms imports stood at 8.8 percent.
India’s share in total arms imports was 8.3 percent. Out of 162 arms importing countries, only five accounted for 35 percent of the total global arms imports.
China’s Imports Decline Significantly
In contrast, China’s arms imports saw a sharp two-thirds decline in 2020-24 compared to 2015-19. China, which had been among the top arms importers for decades, has reduced its reliance on foreign weapons due to its expanding domestic arms production capabilities.
Top Arms Exporters Led by the US
SIPRI’s data for 2020-24 also reveals that the top 25 arms supplier countries accounted for 98 percent of the total global arms exports. The United States remained the largest arms exporter, with its share in global arms exports reaching 43 percent. France was the second-largest exporter with a 9.6 percent share, followed by Russia in third place.
Key Figures in Global Arms Trade (2020-24)
Top 10 Arms Importing Countries:
- Ukraine – 8.8%
- India – 8.3%
- Qatar – 6.8%
- Saudi Arabia – 6.8%
- Pakistan – 4.6%
- Japan – 3.9%
- Australia – 3.5%
- Egypt – 3.3%
- USA – 3.1%
- Kuwait – 2.9%
Top Arms Exporting Countries:
- USA – 43%
- France – 9.6%
- Russia – 7.8%
- China – 5.9%
- Germany – 5.6%
- Italy – 4.8%
- UK – 3.6%
- Israel – 3.1%
- Spain – 3.0%
- South Korea – 2.2%
