New Delhi: India arms imports SIPRI report shows that India remains the world’s second-largest importer of major arms, even as the government continues to promote domestic defence production under the Make-in-India initiative.
According to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for 8.2% of global arms imports between 2021 and 2025.
SIPRI Report: India Remains the Second-Largest Arms Importer
The SIPRI report reveals that India held the second position globally in arms imports between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 8.2% of total global imports.
Despite efforts to boost domestic defence production, India continues to purchase large quantities of advanced weapons from international suppliers to strengthen its defence capability. However, the report also noted a 4% decline in India’s arms imports compared to the 2016–2020 period.
According to SIPRI, this drop is partly due to India’s growing ability to design and produce its own weapons, although domestic defence projects often face delays.
SIPRI Report: Russia’s Share in India’s Arms Imports Declines
One of the biggest trends highlighted in the report is the sharp fall in India’s reliance on Russia for defence equipment.
- Russia’s share in India’s arms imports dropped from 70% (2011–2015) to 40% (2021–2025)
This shift reflects India’s strategy of diversifying defence partnerships. Meanwhile, other countries have increased their presence in India’s defence market:
- France: 29% share of India’s arms imports
- Israel: 15% share
Both countries have emerged as major suppliers of advanced defence systems and technologies.
Major Defence Deals Expected in Coming Years
India is likely to continue importing high-value defence systems in the coming years. Several major defence procurement plans are under discussion with Western countries.
These include:
- 114 Rafale fighter jets from France (estimated cost around ₹3.25 lakh crore)
- Six advanced conventional submarines from Germany equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology
- Six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States
- Multiple deals with Israel for missile defence systems and drones
These purchases are aimed at strengthening India’s military preparedness across land, sea, and air.
Security Concerns Driving India’s Arms Imports
SIPRI analysts noted that India’s defence purchases are largely influenced by regional security threats. India faces a two-front security challenge from China and Pakistan.
According to the SIPRI report, the high level of arms imports in South Asia is largely linked to India’s perceived threat from China and its long-standing tensions with Pakistan.
Imported military equipment was also used during the 2025 India-Pakistan military clash known as “Operation Sindoor.”
Pakistan’s Military Imports Rising Rapidly
The SIPRI report also highlighted developments in Pakistan’s defence imports.
- Pakistan became the fifth-largest arms importer globally during 2021–2025
- Its imports increased by 66% compared to 2016–2020
- Pakistan accounted for 4.2% of global arms imports
China remains Pakistan’s primary defence supplier.
Nearly 80% of Pakistan’s imported military equipment comes from China, strengthening their defence partnership.
SIPRI Report: Global Arms Trade Trends
The SIPRI report shows that global arms transfers increased during the 2021–2025 period.
Top Five Arms Importers (2021–2025)
- Ukraine
- India
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Pakistan
Together, these five countries accounted for 35% of total global arms imports.
Global arms trade increased by 9.2% compared to the 2016–2020 period.
United States Remains the Largest Arms Exporter
The United States continues to dominate global arms exports.
- United States: 42% of global arms exports
- France: 9.8% share
- Russia: 6.8% share
The US exported weapons to 99 countries between 2021 and 2025, supplying defence equipment across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Europe Now the Largest Arms Import Region
For the first time since the 1960s, Europe became the largest regional importer of arms.
Regional share of global arms imports:
- Europe: 33%
- Asia and Oceania: 31%
- West Asia: 26%
The surge in Europe’s imports is mainly linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and rising security concerns across the region.
Russia’s Global Arms Exports Decline
The SIPRI report also highlights a sharp decline in Russia’s global arms exports.
- Russia’s share fell from 21% in 2016–2020 to 6.8% in 2021–2025
This drop is mainly due to reduced exports to countries such as Algeria, China, and Egypt.
Read also: From Drones to Rafales: How Operation Sindoor Changed Indian Defence Spending Pattern
