According to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), despite a slight decline in imports due to the government’s emphasis on ‘Make in India’ weapons, India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer, with a global share of 8.2% between 2021 and 2025. The report also highlights a sharp decline in New Delhi’s decades-old dependence on Russia for arms supplies.
The report states that Moscow’s share declined from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25, while France and Israel benefited the most, with their shares increasing to 29% and 15%, respectively. The 4% decline in India’s arms imports compared to the 2016-2020 cycle was due to the country’s emphasis on indigenous weapons.
“This shortage is partly due to India’s growing ability to design and produce its own weapons, although local manufacturing often involves significant delays,” the report said.
The report also highlights a sharp decline in New Delhi’s decades-old dependence on Russia for arms supplies. The report states that Moscow’s share has declined from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25, with France and Israel benefiting the most, with their shares increasing to 29% and 15% respectively.
The 4% decline in India’s arms imports over the 2016-2020 cycle is due to the country’s increased emphasis on indigenous weapons. “This decline is partly due to India’s increasing ability to design and manufacture its own weapons, although domestic production often faces significant delays,” the report states.
This trend of Indian imports is likely to continue in the coming years, as several major defence deals are lined up with Western countries, including 114 Rafale fighter jets from France (which could cost around Rs 3.25 lakh crore), six air-independent propulsion (AIP) conventional submarines from Germany, six more P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the US, and several deals on missile defence systems and drones with Israel.
