SIPRI Report 2024: Ukraine Becomes the World’s Largest Arms Importer, India Secures 2nd Position.
International
According to the Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024 report by the Swedish think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine has emerged as the largest importer of major arms globally between 2020 and 2024. Ukraine's arms imports surged nearly 100-fold compared to the 2015-19 period. India ranked second in arms imports during this period, with a 9.3% decline in imports due to increased domestic production and diversification of arms suppliers.
- Ukraine became the leading importer, reflecting the increased need for military support during its conflict.
- India was ranked second but saw a reduction in imports, reflecting efforts to bolster its domestic defence production.
- The United States, France, and Russia were the top three arms exporters during the 2020-2024 period.
Main Point :- (i) Russia continues to be India’s top arms supplier, although its share decreased from 55% in 2015-2019 to 36% in 2020-2024 due to increased domestic production in India and diversified sourcing.
(ii) France is the second-largest supplier to India, accounting for 33% of its imports, notably through the supply of Rafale jets and other military equipment.
(iii) Israel ranked third, providing 13% of India's total arms imports.
About SIPRI
Director: Dan Smith
Headquarters: Solna, Sweden
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