NEWS – A analysis of arms imports by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute was recently released

HIGHLIGHTS

• India was the world’s top arms importer during 2019-23, with a 4.7% increase compared to 2014-18, according to SIPRI.
• European arms imports surged by 94% during the same period, influenced by the conflict in Ukraine.
• Russia remained India’s main arms supplier, though its share decreased to less than half for the first time since 1960-64.
• The interim Budget of India for 2024-25 allocated ₹6.2 lakh crore to the Defence Ministry, with ₹1.72 lakh crore for new procurements.
• Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 43%, with China supplying 82% of them.
• S. arms exports rose by 17%, while Russian exports declined significantly.
• France emerged as the second largest arms supplier, with India being its largest single recipient.
• European countries imported over half of their arms from the U.S., showing Europe’s robust military-industrial capacity.
• The U.S. has expanded its role as a global arms supplier, while France’s increased exports were largely due to deliveries of combat aircraft to India, Qatar, and Egypt.

STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

• Renowned Swedish think tank specializing in research on conflicts, armaments, arms control, and disarmament
• Established in 1966
• Provides authoritative data, analysis, and insights into global security issues, including military spending, arms transfers, and conflict trends