India has emerged as the second-largest importer of major arms globally, just behind war-ravaged Ukraine, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
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The report states that India accounted for 8.3% of global arms imports from 2020-2024, while Ukraine took the top spot with 8.8% due to its ongoing conflict with Russia. This marks a significant shift in the global arms trade, as India had long been the world’s leading arms importer before Ukraine’s conflict escalated.
Understanding India’s Position in Global Arms Imports
India has been one of the largest buyers of foreign weapons for decades. Despite the government’s push for self-reliance, the country’s security challenges, geopolitical rivalries, and slow domestic defense production have kept arms imports high.
India’s Imports: A Declining Trend Despite High Demand
While India remains one of the top arms importers, its imports have declined by 9.3% compared to the 2015-2019 period. This trend suggests that India is gradually reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers, though it still relies heavily on imports for advanced military technologies.
However, experts believe that India cannot completely eliminate imports in the near future, as its domestic defense industry is still in a developmental phase and faces technological and logistical challenges.
Key Factors Driving India’s Arms Imports
1. Security Threats from China and Pakistan
India faces constant security threats from its two nuclear-armed neighbors, China and Pakistan. Border tensions, including the Doklam standoff (2017) and the Galwan Valley clash (2020) with China, have increased India’s focus on modernizing its military.
- India has been strengthening its border defenses along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
- Pakistan continues to be a major security concern, with frequent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. India’s Shift Away from Russian Weapons
For decades, Russia was India’s biggest arms supplier, providing over 70% of India’s military imports. However, this has now dropped to 55% as India diversifies its sources.
- Why is India reducing Russian imports?
- Russia’s war with Ukraine has slowed down its defense exports.
- Sanctions on Russia have made transactions difficult.
- India is seeking advanced Western technology.
3. India’s Push for Self-Reliance in Defense
Under the “Make in India” initiative, India has been working to increase domestic production of defense equipment.
- The government has banned the import of 411 military items to boost local production.
- India has developed indigenous fighter jets (Tejas), missiles (BrahMos), and tanks (Arjun).
Who are India’s Major Arms Suppliers?
India is gradually diversifying its arms suppliers, moving away from Russia and increasing purchases from France, the U.S., and Israel.
India’s Top Arms Suppliers (2020-2024):
- 🇷🇺 Russia – 36%
- 🇫🇷 France – 20%
- 🇺🇸 United States – 13%
- 🇮🇱 Israel – 8%
Why is India Buying More from Western Countries?
- Advanced fighter jets: India has ordered Rafale jets from France.
- High-tech drones: The U.S. has supplied MQ-9B Predator drones.
- Cutting-edge missiles: Israel has provided air defense systems.
Ukraine Becomes the Top Arms Importer Due to War
Ukraine has seen an astonishing 9627% increase in arms imports due to its war with Russia. The U.S. and European nations have provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine.
- Why has Ukraine overtaken India?
- Continuous military aid from NATO countries.
- Emergency procurement of weapons due to the war.
- High demand for artillery, missiles, and air defense systems.
Despite Ukraine taking the top spot, India remains the world’s largest arms importer among peaceful nations.
India’s Future Plans for Defense Modernization
Despite being a top arms importer, India is making efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign weapons by focusing on domestic production.
Key Initiatives for Defense Growth:
- Indigenization – Increased production of Tejas jets, BrahMos missiles, and warships.
- Exporting Defense Equipment – India aims to become a global arms exporter.
- Joint Ventures – Partnering with France, the U.S., and Israel for local production.
Moving Ahead: India’s Role in the Global Arms Market
India’s emergence as the second-largest arms importer highlights its security concerns and ongoing military modernization. While India aims to reduce imports and boost self-reliance, regional conflicts and technological challenges will keep it heavily involved in the global arms trade for the foreseeable future.
By – Nikita
