SIPRI REPORT - REPORTS
AND INDICES
News: India 4th largest military
spender in 2023: SIPRI
What's in the news?
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The latest data on international arms transfers has
been released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Key takeaways:
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As per this report, India was the world's top arms
importer between 2019-2023.
Key Findings of the
Report:
1. Steady Increase in
Arms Import:
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India continues as the world’s largest arms importer despite ongoing efforts to bolster its defense-industrial base.
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Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted for a
significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports.
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4.7% increase in India's arms imports between
2014-18 and 2019-23.
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This growth is partially attributed to emergency
procurements made in response to the prolonged military standoff with China.
2. Changing Dynamics in
Arms Suppliers:
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Russia (historically been India's primary weapons
supplier), still accounted for 36% of its arms imports.
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However, this trend is shifting, with India
increasingly diversifying its sources to
include Western countries and domestic manufacturers.
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The report highlights that the period between
2019-23 marked the first five-year span since 1960-64 where Russian deliveries
comprised less than half of India's arms imports.
3. Growing Role of
Western Suppliers:
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France and the United States are emerging as key
suppliers to India, collectively accounting for 46% of its arms imports.
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This trend is expected to continue with significant
contracts in the pipeline, such as India's
procurement of 31 armed MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones from the US and 26 Rafale-M
fighters from France.
4. Global Arms Trade
Landscape:
Top Importers:
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India is followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine,
Pakistan, Japan, Egypt, Australia, South Korea, and China.
Top Exporters:
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The United
States leads with a 42% share, followed by France and Russia.
5. India's Role as a
Major Arms Customer:
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India emerges as the largest arms customer for France, Russia, and Israel, indicating
its significant role in global arms procurement.
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This underscores India's reliance on diverse
sources for its defense needs, reflecting its geopolitical positioning and
security concerns.
6. China's Dominance in
Supplying Pakistan:
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China plays a pivotal role as the primary arms
supplier to Pakistan, with a substantial 61% of its exports directed towards
Islamabad.
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Additionally, China exports 11% of its arms to Bangladesh, further solidifying its
influence in the region.
Go back to basics:
Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):
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It is an independent
international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments,
arms control and disarmament.
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It was established in 1966 and is regularly ranked
among the most respected think tanks worldwide.
Headquarters - Stockholm, Sweden.
Mission:
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To undertake research and activities on security,
conflict and peace.
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To provide policy analysis and recommendations.
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To facilitate dialogue and build capacities.
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To promote transparency and accountability.