India is world’s 2nd largest arms importer

According to the latest report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s second largest importer of major arms in 2014”“18 and accounted for 9.5% of the global total.

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Why is it in news?

  • According to the latest report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s second largest importer of major arms in 2014”“18 and accounted for 9.5% of the global total.

More in news

  • Delays in deliveries reduced imports: Indian imports decreased by 24% between 2009-13 and 2014-18, partly due to delays in deliveries of arms produced under licence from foreign suppliers, such as combat aircraft ordered from Russia in 2001 and submarines ordered from France in 2008.
  • Russia’s contribution in India’s arms imports:
    (1) Russia accounted for 58% of Indian arms imports in 2014”“18, compared with 76% in 2009-13.
    (2) Israel, the U.S. and France all increased their arms exports to India in 2014-18.
    (3) However, the Russian share in Indian imports is likely to sharply go up for the next five-year period as India signed several big-ticket deals recently, and more are in the pipeline.
    (4) These include S-400 air defence systems, four stealth frigates, AK-203 assault rifles, a second nuclear attack submarine on lease, and deals for Kamov-226T utility helicopters, Mi-17 helicopters and short-range air defence systems.
  • Imports decreased despite of tensions: The report noted that despite the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, arms imports decreased for both countries in 2014-18 compared with 2009-13.

Source

The Hindu