Context : Global Arms Imports:
- Ukraine became the largest arms importer globally (2020-24), with a 100-fold rise from 2015-19 due to the ongoing war.
- India ranked second-largest despite a 9.3% decline in imports compared to 2015-19.
- China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its domestic industrial growth.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security)
- India’s Arms Suppliers & Trends:
- Russia remains India’s top supplier, but its share dropped to 36% (from 55% in 2015-19 & 72% in 2010-14).
- France emerged as a key supplier, with India receiving 28% of French arms exports, the highest share among all nations.
- India continues to import major military platforms, including Rafale jets & Scorpene-class submarines, with more deals lined up (e.g., 26 Rafale-M jets & three submarines).
- Pakistan’s Growing Imports:
- Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 61% (2015-19 to 2020-24).
- China dominates as Pakistan’s supplier, providing 81% of total imports (up from 74% in 2015-19).
- Global Arms Export Trends:
- USA expanded its share in global arms exports to 43%.
- Russia’s arms exports declined by 64%, now comprising 7.8% of global exports.
- France became the 2nd largest arms exporter (9.6%), surpassing Russia.
- Italy climbed to 6th place, with a 4.8% share in exports.
- European Arms Build-up:
- European arms imports surged by 155% (2015-19 to 2020-24) due to security concerns post-Ukraine war.
- France’s arms exports to European nations tripled (187%), mainly due to combat aircraft deliveries to Greece, Croatia, and arms supplies to Ukraine post-2022 invasion.
- At least 35 countries have supplied weapons to Ukraine since 2022, accounting for 8.8% of global imports.
- Global Arms Transfer Trends:
- Overall arms transfers remained stable (compared to 2015-19 and 2010-14), with regional variations.
- Major importers like Saudi Arabia, India, and China saw declines due to policy changes, domestic production, or geopolitical factors.
Key Takeaways
- India remains one of the largest arms importers, diversifying suppliers beyond Russia.
- France’s rise as a key defense partner for India signals strategic shifts.
- Pakistan-China defense ties continue to strengthen, with Beijing dominating Pakistan’s imports.
- European arms trade is surging, driven by the Ukraine conflict and NATO’s security concerns.
- Russia’s declining arms exports reflect its geopolitical and economic challenges post-Ukraine war.
Relevance for India
- Strategic Shift: Reduced dependence on Russia, increasing reliance on Western suppliers like France.
- Self-reliance Push: India’s focus on domestic defense production (e.g., Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat) may explain the decline in imports.
- Geopolitical Impact: The growing Indo-French defense partnership aligns with India’s broader global security and strategic interests.
