According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) Fact Sheet March 2022 – “Trends In International Arms Transfers, 2021”, India remained the largest importer globally even though Indian arms imports have decreased by 21% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021.
- India has accounted for 11% of global arms imports in 2017-2021, which was around 14% in 2012-2016.
The Main suppliers of India in 2017-2021 are Russia(46%), France(27%), and the United States of America (USA)(12%).
Arms Importers:
i.The total volume of the international transfer of major arms in 2017-2021 was 4.6% lower than 2012-2016 but higher than 2007-2011.
ii.The 5 largest arms imports in 2017-2021 are India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia and China. These countries account for around 38% of the total imports in 2017-2021.
iii.Asia and Oceania is the main recipient region in 2017-2022, accounting for 43% of global imports followed by the Middle East (32%), Europe (13%), Africa (5.8%) and the Americas (5.5%).
iv.6 countries (India, Australia, China, South Korea, Pakistan and Japan) in the Asia and Oceania region are among the 10 largest importers globally
v.The imports by the states of South America in 2017–21 were at their lowest level for any 5-year period in the past 50 years.
Arms Exporters:
i.The 5 largest arms exporters in 2017–21 are the USA, Russia, France, China and Germany. These countries account for around 77% of the total arms exports in 2017-2021.
ii.The countries from North America and Europe accounted for 87% of total exports in 2017-21.
iii.France(3rd), Germany(5th), Italy(6th), the United Kingdom(UK)(7th) and Spain(9th) were among the top 5 West European arms exporters which accounts for 24% of total exports.
iv.China(4th), South Korea(8th) and Israel(10th)(outside Europe) were also among the top 10 arms exporters in 2017-21.
Key Points:
i.The exports of the US increased by 14%, increasing its global share from 32% to 39%.
ii.The Russian arms exports fell by 26% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021 and its global share fell from 24% to 19%.
iii.The arms exports of France increased 59% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021. It accounts for 11% of the global total.
Click here for Trends In International Arms Transfers, 2021
Recent Related News:
As per the report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) titled ‘Top 100 arms-producing and military services companies, 2020’, 3 Indian defence manufactures companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Ordnance Factories, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) ranks among the top 100 manufacturers globally.
- The HAL, ranked 42nd, and BEL, ranked 66th, and Indian Ordnance Factories ranked 60th.
About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI):
SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
Chair of SIPRI Governing Board- Ambassador Jan Eliasson
Established in 1966
Headquarters– Solna, Sweden
