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India is world’s 2nd largest arms importer
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