India remains world’s 2nd largest arms importer despite Make-in-India push: SIPRI report

Key facts

• India held 8.2% of global major arms imports between 2021 and 2025, ranking second worldwide.
• Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25.
• France and Israel raised their shares to 29% and 15% respectively in 2021-25.
• India’s arms imports dropped 4% compared with the 2016-2020 period owing to emphasis on indigenous production.
• Planned purchases include 114 Rafale fighters from France (approx. ₹3.25 lakh crore), six AIP-equipped submarines from Germany, six additional P-8I aircraft from the United States, and missile defence plus drone deals with Israel.
• The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cited Operation Sindoor and the dual threat from China and Pakistan as drivers for India’s import volumes.
• Pakistan sourced about 80% of its arms from China and rose to become the 5th largest global recipient in 2021-25, up from 10th in 2016-20.
• Top five arms importers for 2021-25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, together accounting for 35% of global imports.
• Global arms transfers grew 9.2% in 2021-25 versus 2016-20.
• The United States (US) led exporters with 42% of global exports, followed by France (9.8%) and Russia (6.8%).
• Europe became the largest importing region (33%) for the first time since the 1960s, followed by Asia and Oceania (31%) and West Asia (26%).