Stockholm-based defence think tank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has recently released its data related to arms trade in the world, comparing two 5-year periods- 2013-17 and 2018-22. According to the report, India continued to be the largest arms importer in the world during 2018-22, with Russia being the top supplier, followed by France. However, the report highlights that arms imports decreased in India by 11% between 2013-17 and 2018-22.
Highlights of the report
- According to the report, the world’s five largest arms importers during 2018-22 were India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and China, and the largest suppliers were the US, Russia, France, China, and Germany.
- The report ranks Pakistan as the 8th largest importer, with a 14% increase, and China as its major supplier.
- France supplied around 30% of India’s total imports and replaced the US as the second-largest arms supplier to India.
- The decline in India’s arms imports is attributed to a complex procurement process, the government’s focus on a diverse supplier base, and an emphasis on local designs.
About SIPRI
- Founded in 1966, it is an international institute located in Stockholm (Sweden) and is dedicated to conducting scientific research in matters related to conflict and cooperation.
- It provides data, insights, and recommendations related to arms trade, military expenditure, conflicts, disarmament, and arms control.
