INDIA SECOND-LARGEST ARMS IMPORTER

Subject:

• GS-2: International Relations & Defense Ties – India’s Arms Imports, Global Defense Collaborations
• GS-3: Security & Defense Tech – Domestic Arms Production, Self-Reliance Goals

Key Points

India’s Global Arms Import Ranking

• India ranked as the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, behind Ukraine, which saw imports soar 100-fold due to its conflict with Russia.
• India’s arms imports fell 9.3% from 2015-19, signaling progress in local defense manufacturing.
• China exited the top 10 importers list for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting greater self-reliance.

Key Suppliers to India

• Russia remains the top supplier, though its share dropped to 36% from 55% (2015-19) and 72% (2010-14).
• France emerged as the second-largest supplier, contributing 28% of its exports—almost double Europe’s combined share (15%).
• Major deals with France include 36 Rafale jets, six Scorpene submarines, and pending contracts for 26 Rafale-M jets and three more submarines.

Global Arms Trade Patterns

• Russia’s exports plummeted 64%, falling behind France (9.6%) as the U.S. led with 43%.
• Ukraine absorbed 8.8% of global arms imports, supported by at least 35 nations since 2022.

Insights & Next Steps

• India’s declining imports align with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, yet reliance on foreign suppliers persists.
• Bolstering local production and tech transfers with partners like France and Russia is essential.

Mains Practice Question

“Evaluate India’s status as a leading arms importer and its push for defense self-reliance. How can India balance strategic partnerships with efforts to boost indigenous arms production?”