India Remains the Second-Largest Arms Importer: SIPRI Report

According to the latest report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025, accounting for 8.2% of global imports.

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Context

According to the latest report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025, accounting for 2% of global imports.

Major Arms Exporters(2021–2025)

Major Arms Importers (2021–2025)

A few countries dominate the global defence export market.

● United States – 42% of global exports

● France – 9.8%

● Russia – 6.8%

● China is also emerging as a major supplier.

The United States has consolidated its position as the largest arms exporter globally, while Russia’s exports have declined due to sanctions and supply disruptions linked to the Ukraine war.

Global arms transfers are largely shaped by geopolitical conflicts and security competition.

● Ukraine – 9.7% of global imports (largest importer)

● India – 8.2%

● Pakistan, Japan, and Australia also rank among the top ten.

The overall global arms trade increased by around 9.2% between 2021–2025 and 2016–2020, driven by conflicts in Europe, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and instability in West Asia

Key Trends in India’s Arms Imports

Declining Dependence on Russia: India’s traditional dependence on Russia is steadily declining. Russia’s share in India’s arms imports fell from 70% (2011–15) to 40% (2021–25) due to supply disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and India’s diversification strategy.
Rising Role of France: France has emerged as India’s second-largest supplier with 29% share, largely due to major deals such as the Dassault Rafale fighter jets and potential future acquisitions of additional aircraft and submarine technologies.
- France has become a strategic defence partner due to its willingness to provide technology transfer and joint development arrangements.
Growing Defence Cooperation with Israel: Israel accounts for 15% of India’s imports, supplying advanced systems such as air defence, drones, missiles, and surveillance technologies.

Reasons Behind India’s High Arms Imports

Security Challenges from China and Pakistan: India’s military procurement is driven by tensions with China along the LAC and strategic rivalry with Pakistan, including periodic armed confrontations.
Technological Gaps in Domestic Industry: Despite progress in indigenous systems like HAL Tejas and BrahMos, India still depends on imports for high-end technologies such as jet engines, submarines, and advanced sensors.

Regional Arms Dynamics

Pakistan’s Increasing Dependence on China: Pakistan has become the fifth-largest arms importer, with 80% of its arms supplied by China, reflecting deepening military cooperation.
China’s Defence Self-Reliance: China has reduced its own arms imports by 72%, dropping out of the top ten importers due to strong domestic defence manufacturing.

China remains a major global arms exporter, with 61% of its arms exports going to Pakistan.

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