India Second-Largest Arms Importer Globally in 2021–25: SIPRI Report
The report further noted that China dropped out of the list of the world's top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1991–95.
India Second-Largest Arms Importer Globally in 2021–25: SIPRI Report
India was the world’s second-largest importer of arms and military equipment during the period 2021 to 2025, according to a new report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report, titled Trends in International Arms Transfers, noted that a significant share of India’s arms imports during this period came from Russia. However, Russia’s share in India’s imports declined to 40 percent in 2021–25, compared with 51 percent during 2016–20 and about 70 percent in 2011–15.
SIPRI said India’s total arms imports recorded a slight decline of four percent between 2016–20 and 2021–25, though the country remained one of the largest buyers of military equipment globally.
The study also highlighted trends in global arms transfers, noting that the United States accounted for 42 percent of all international arms exports between 2021 and 2025. This marked an increase from 36 percent recorded during the 2016–20 period.
According to the report, Ukraine emerged as the largest recipient of arms globally during 2021–25, receiving 9.7 percent of total global arms imports.
The report further noted that China dropped out of the list of the world’s top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1991–95, mainly due to the expansion of its domestic arms production.
In the Asia and Oceania region, India, Pakistan, Japan and Australia were among the ten largest arms importers globally during the period under review. During 2021–25, the United States was the main supplier of arms to the region, accounting for 35 percent of total imports. Russia held a 17 percent share, while China accounted for 14 percent.