Why is it in the news?

• According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India emerged as the leading arms importer globally for the period 2019-2023, with a 4.7% increase compared to the preceding period of 2014-2018.

Key Findings of SIPRI Report

• Russia remained India’s primary arms supplier, accounting for 36% of imports. However, it marked the first time since 1960-1964 that Russia’s share fell below half of India’s arms imports in a five-year span.
• France stood as India’s second-largest arms supplier at 33%, followed by the United States at 13%.
• Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East dominated arms imports, with nine of the top ten importers hailing from these regions, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• European countries witnessed a substantial 94% increase in arms imports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023, likely due to the conflict in Ukraine. Moreover, over half (55%) of European arms imports came from the U.S., up from 35% in the previous period.
• The United States experienced a 17% surge in arms exports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023, retaining its position as the largest arms supplier globally. France emerged as the world’s second-largest arms exporter, with a significant 47% growth in exports.

The chart shows the volume of arms transfers from the five major arms exporters to India in terms of trend-indicator value (TIV)

The table lists units of various types of weapons ordered by India in the last 15 years