Why in News? 

• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, India was the second-largest importer of major arms between 2020 and 2024. 
• Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer during this period, with imports increasing nearly 100 times compared to 2015-2019. 
• India's arms imports declined by 9.3% compared to the previous period (2015-19). 

Key Highlights of the SIPRI Report 

• Ukraine’s Imports Surge: Due to the war with Russia, Ukraine saw a massive 100-fold increase in arms imports. 
• India’s Decline in Imports: Despite being the second-largest importer, India's arms imports decreased by 9.3% from 2015-19 to 2020-24. 
• Pakistan’s Growing Imports: Pakistan’s arms imports rose by 61%, with China supplying 81% of its total imports in 2020-24. 
• Global Export Trends:  
  • The U.S. remained the largest arms exporter, increasing its global share to 43%. 
  • Russia’s arms exports declined by 64%, now accounting for 7.8% of total global arms exports. 
  • France emerged as the second-largest arms exporter (9.6%), surpassing Russia. 

India’s Arms Suppliers and Imports 

• Russia remained the largest supplier for India, accounting for 36% of total arms imports. However, this was a decline from 55% (2015-19) and 72% (2010-14). 
• India was the largest recipient of French arms (28%), nearly twice the share received by all European countries combined (15%). 
• India’s Major Arms Deals with France:  
  • 36 Rafale fighter jets 
  • 6 Scorpene-class submarines 
  • Upcoming deals for 26 Rafale-M jets and three submarines 

Global Arms Trade Trends 

• Increase in European Arms Imports:  
  • European imports grew by 155%, driven by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 
  • France’s arms exports to Europe tripled (187%) from 2015-19 to 2020-24. 
• Declining Imports for Some Major Importers:  
  • Countries like India, Saudi Arabia, and China saw a decline in import volumes due to various factors. 
• Ukraine’s Global Share:  
  • Since 2022, 35+ countries have sent weapons to Ukraine. 
  • Ukraine accounted for 8.8% of global arms imports between 2020-24. 

Significance of the Report 

• Reflects Shifting Global Security Priorities: Increased European imports highlight concerns over Russia’s threat. 
• India’s Diversification of Arms Suppliers: Growing reliance on France and other nations, reducing dependence on Russia. 
• Impact on Defence Strategy: India’s decline in imports may indicate a focus on indigenous defence production under Atmanirbhar Bharat.