SIPRI Report (2020-24)

Source: THE HINDU

Context: India has become the second-largest arms importer globally between 2020-24, following Ukraine, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report.

• The report highlights a decline in India’s arms imports from Russia and a rise in French arms exports to India.

About SIPRI Report (2020-24):

Key Highlights of the SIPRI Report (2020-24)

Global Trends in Arms Imports & Exports

• Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer due to ongoing war with Russia, with a 100-fold rise in imports.

• India ranked second in arms imports, despite a 9.3% decline compared to 2015-19.

• China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its growing domestic defense industry.

• Pakistan’s arms imports surged by 61%, with China supplying 81% of its total imports.

• European arms imports increased by 155% due to geopolitical tensions and military rearmament.

India’s Defense Imports

• Russia remained the top supplier but its share dropped to 36% (from 55% in 2015-19 & 72% in 2010-14).

• France emerged as a major supplier, with 28% of its total arms exports going to India.

• India has contracted major military deals with France, including 36 Rafale jets & six Scorpene-class submarines.

• Deals for 26 Rafale-M jets & three more submarines are expected to be finalized soon.

Global Arms Transfer & Export Trends

• USA expanded its global arms market share to 43%, reinforcing its dominance.

• Russia’s arms exports fell by 64%, now comprising only 7.8% of global exports, behind France (9.6%).

• Italy climbed to 6th place in arms exports, with a 4.8% share in global arms trade.

• 35 countries have supplied weapons to Ukraine since 2022, with more deliveries in progress.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

What is SIPRI?

• SIPRI is an independent international institute focused on research in conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

Establishment

• Founded in 1966 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Functions & Significance

• Analyzes trends in global arms trade and their impact on international security.

• Monitors military spending of nations and their strategic implications.

• Provides data-driven insights for policymakers on global defence dynamics.