Which Country is the Largest Arms Importer in the World?

India has emerged as the world’s second largest arms importer during the period 2021-2025. This are the accounting for 8.2% of total global arms imports. According to a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report highlights a gradual shift in India’s defense procurement strategy with the country increasingly sourcing weapons from Western suppliers such as France, Israel and the United States. However Russia still remains an important defense partner for India.

India’s Position in Global Arms Imports (SIPRI Report)

According to the SIPRI arms transfer report India has been ranked as the second largest importer of major arms globally between 2021 and 2025.

The country accounted for the 8.2 percent of total global arms imports placing it behind only one other major arms importing nation during the period.

The report noted that India’s defense purchases continue to be driven by the need to modernize its armed forces and maintain strategic readiness in a complex security environment.

Despite the large share of imports the report also states that India’s arms imports declined by around 4 percent compared to the previous five-year period (2016-2020).

Reasons Behind India’s High Defense Imports

One of the main factors driving India’s arms imports is the country’s ongoing strategic competition and border tensions with neighboring countries.

India faces persistent security challenges from China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC).

These tensions have occasionally resulted in military confrontations and heightened security preparedness.

The SIPRI report also highlighted that conflicts and military standoffs between these countries have led to the use of advanced imported weapons systems.

India’s Shift from Russia to Western Arms Suppliers

Over the last decade India has gradually diversified its defense procurement sources and also reducing its reliance on Russian weapons.

Russia’s share in India’s arms imports has steadily declined over time.

According to the SIPRI report Russia accounted for about 70 percent of India’s arms imports during 2011-2015.

And this which dropped to 51 percent in 2016-2020 and further declined to 40 percent in 2021-2025.

India’s Growing Domestic Defence Manufacturing

India continues to import advanced weapon systems, the SIPRI report also highlights the country’s growing domestic defense production capabilities.

In recent years, India has focused on strengthening its indigenous defense industry through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense production.”

These policies encourage domestic manufacturing of military equipment and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Global Arms Import Trends (2021-2025)

The SIPRI report also identified the top global arms importers during the period 2021-2025.

The five largest arms importers during this period were,

• Ukraine
• India
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Pakistan

Question

Q. According to the SIPRI report, India ranked what in global arms imports during 2021-25?

A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth