India continues to be the world’s largest arms importer, with Russia being the prime source of its procurement despite declining share in past years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported on Monday (Mar 11).

India accounted for 9.8 per cent of the total global imports during 2019-2023. India’s arms imports increased 4.7 per cent between 2014-18 and 2019-23, despite the government’s continued efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing and procurement.

However, Russia's share in Indian exports is slowly falling. In the period under review,&nbsp;Russia accounted for 36 per cent of India’s total arms imports, a first after the 1960-64 term when Russia’s share fell short of the 50 per cent mark.

The share is further expected to fall as India turns to France and the US for military hardware and Russia gets occupied with meeting its domestic demands in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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France accounted for 33 per cent of India’s total arms imports while the figure stood at 13 per cent for the US. With the direct acquisition of 31 armed MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones from the US for $3.9 billion as well as 26 Rafale-M fighters from France for $6 billion, the share of the two countries is likely to go up in the current five-year period.

<h2>The China factor</h2>

Arms imports by Japan and South Korea, two of China’s key neighbours, were also up by 155 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively.

According to experts, this trend was driven by concerns over China’s continued aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

"There is little doubt that the sustained high levels of arms imports by Japan and other US allies and partners in Asia and Oceania are largely driven by one key factor: concern over China's ambitions," said Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme.

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The report added that the US emerged as a key supplier to the region during this period.

Meanwhile, China’s own arms imports were down by 44 per cent, partly because its main supplier Russia is tied up in the domestic market.

<h2>China and Pakistan</h2>

The military and defence cooperation between two of India’s major rivals China and Pakistan grew deeper during the five-year period. A whopping 61 per cent of China’s total defence exports went to Pakistan, followed by 11 per cent to Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies)

India continues to be the world’s largest arms importer, with Russia being the prime source of its procurement despite declining share in past years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported on Monday (Mar 11).

India continues to be the world’s largest arms importer, with Russia being the prime source of its procurement despite declining share in past years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported on Monday (Mar 11). India accounted for 9.8 per cent of the total global imports during 2019-2023. India’s arms imports increased 4.7 per cent between 2014-18 and 2019-23, despite the government’s continued efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing and procurement. However, Russia's share in Indian exports is slowly falling. In the period under review, Russia accounted for 36 per cent of India’s total arms imports, a first after the 1960-64 term when Russia’s share fell short of the 50 per cent mark. The share is further expected to fall as India turns to France and the US for military hardware and Russia gets occupied with meeting its domestic demands in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Also read:India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report France accounted for 33 per cent of India’s total arms imports while the figure stood at 13 per cent for the US. With the direct acquisition of 31 armed MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones from the US for $3.9 billion as well as 26 Rafale-M fighters from France for $6 billion, the share of the two countries is likely to go up in the current five-year period. The China factor Arms imports by Japan and South Korea, two of China’s key neighbours, were also up by 155 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively. According to experts, this trend was driven by concerns over China’s continued aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. "There is little doubt that the sustained high levels of arms imports by Japan and other US allies and partners in Asia and Oceania are largely driven by one key factor: concern over China's ambitions," said Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme. Also read: China sends research ship to allegedly spy on India`s Agni-5 missile launch: Reports The report added that the US emerged as a key supplier to the region during this period. Meanwhile, China’s own arms imports were down by 44 per cent, partly because its main supplier Russia is tied up in the domestic market. China and Pakistan The military and defence cooperation between two of India’s major rivals China and Pakistan grew deeper during the five-year period. A whopping 61 per cent of China’s total defence exports went to Pakistan, followed by 11 per cent to Bangladesh. (With inputs from agencies)

India still world’s largest arms importer with Russia being its top supplier: Report

India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’—the two-day seminar of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO).

The list includes futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, remotely piloted airborne vehicles up to 25 km with a 2kg Payload for the army, naval shipborne unmanned aerial system, medium upgrade low endurance class tactical drone, an electric light vehicle for the army, medium range precision kill system for artillery, next-generation low-level light radar for the army.

<h2>Five indigenisation lists issued so far</h2>

This was the fifth indigenisation list released by the ministry in the last three years, in which a total of 509 defence items have been placed under the import ban.

“The list lays special focus on import substitution of components of major systems, besides important platforms, weapon systems, sensors and munitions, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to 10 years,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“The items in the list will provide ample visibility and opportunity to the domestic industry to understand the trend and futuristic needs of the Armed Forces and create requisite R&amp;D and manufacturing capacity within the country,” it said.

The list has been prepared by the Department of Military Affairs.

<h2>India's reliance on foreign weapons&nbsp;</h2>

India, which remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, relies heavily on foreign defence manufacturers to fulfil its security needs.

It launched the import bans list around three years ago to attain twin objectives—cut down import costs and boost defence manufacturing.

Russian weapons continue to dominate India’s weapons armoury and it has remained the largest supplier between 2018-22.

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According to the Swedish Think Tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France was the second largest supplier between 2018-22.

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Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market for three countries — Russia, France and Israel&nbsp; —and the second largest export market to South Korea.

India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21st on the list of arms exporters.

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India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.

India has issued a fresh weapons import ban list featuring 98 weapons in its drive to attain self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The so-called “positive indigenisation list” was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 4) during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’—the two-day seminar of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO). The list includes futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, remotely piloted airborne vehicles up to 25 km with a 2kg Payload for the army, naval shipborne unmanned aerial system, medium upgrade low endurance class tactical drone, an electric light vehicle for the army, medium range precision kill system for artillery, next-generation low-level light radar for the army. Five indigenisation lists issued so far This was the fifth indigenisation list released by the ministry in the last three years, in which a total of 509 defence items have been placed under the import ban. “The list lays special focus on import substitution of components of major systems, besides important platforms, weapon systems, sensors and munitions, which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders in the next five to 10 years,” the defence ministry said in a statement. “The items in the list will provide ample visibility and opportunity to the domestic industry to understand the trend and futuristic needs of the Armed Forces and create requisite R&D and manufacturing capacity within the country,” it said. The list has been prepared by the Department of Military Affairs. India's reliance on foreign weapons India, which remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, relies heavily on foreign defence manufacturers to fulfil its security needs. It launched the import bans list around three years ago to attain twin objectives—cut down import costs and boost defence manufacturing. Russian weapons continue to dominate India’s weapons armoury and it has remained the largest supplier between 2018-22. Also read | Sikkim floods: Dalai Lama expresses grief following devastation According to the Swedish Think Tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France was the second largest supplier between 2018-22. Also read | US: Following McCarthy's ouster, Jim Jordan to run for House speaker's pos Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market for three countries — Russia, France and Israel —and the second largest export market to South Korea. India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21st on the list of arms exporters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India bans imports of 98 weapons, releases fresh indigenisation list

India is the biggest importer of major arms in the last five years with overseas procurement exceeding that of China and Pakistan, according to a Stockholm based think-tank.

India accounted for 13 per cent of the total global arms import between 2012 and 2016, which is highest among all the countries, claimed the report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

&quot;India was the world&#39;s largest importer of major arms in 2012-16, accounting for 13 per cent of the global total,&quot; the leading think-tank said.

The higher component of overseas procurement, greater than China, is because of India&#39;s dependence on weapons technology from Russia, the US, Europe, Israel, and South Korea.

China has been able to substitute arms import with indigenous production of weapons, the report said.

The report said China&#39;s share of global arms exports rose from 3.8 to 6.2 per cent between 2007-11 and 2012-16.

&quot;It is now firmly a top-tier supplier, like France and Germany which accounted for 6 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively,&quot; said the think-tank.

Saudi Arabia was the second largest arms importer in 2012-16, with an increase of 212 per cent compared with 2007-11. Arms imports by Qatar went up by 245 per cent.

In the last five years, the trade in major weapons has increased to its highest levels since the Cold War on account of a spike in demand from Asia and particularly West Asia.

&quot;Over the past five years, most states in the Middle East&nbsp;have turned primarily to the USA and Europe in their accelerated pursuit of advanced military capabilities,&quot; said Pieter Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme.

He said despite low oil prices, countries in the region continued to order more weapons in 2016, perceiving them as crucial tools for dealing with conflicts and regional tensions.

The US remained the top arms exporter in 2012-16 with a one- third share of global arms exports. Russia accounted for 23 per cent share of global exports with 70 per cent of it going to India, Vietnam, China and Algeria.

&quot;The USA supplies major arms to at least 100 countries around the world, significantly more than any other supplier state,&quot; said Dr Aude Fleurant, Director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme.

Imports by states in Europe significantly decreased by 36 per cent between 2007-11 and 2012-16.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

India accounted for 13 per cent of the total global arms import between 2012 and 2016, which is highest among all the countries

India is the biggest importer of major arms in the last five years with overseas procurement exceeding that of China and Pakistan, according to a Stockholm based think-tank. India accounted for 13 per cent of the total global arms import between 2012 and 2016, which is highest among all the countries, claimed the report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. "India was the world's largest importer of major arms in 2012-16, accounting for 13 per cent of the global total," the leading think-tank said. The higher component of overseas procurement, greater than China, is because of India's dependence on weapons technology from Russia, the US, Europe, Israel, and South Korea. China has been able to substitute arms import with indigenous production of weapons, the report said. The report said China's share of global arms exports rose from 3.8 to 6.2 per cent between 2007-11 and 2012-16. "It is now firmly a top-tier supplier, like France and Germany which accounted for 6 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively," said the think-tank. Saudi Arabia was the second largest arms importer in 2012-16, with an increase of 212 per cent compared with 2007-11. Arms imports by Qatar went up by 245 per cent. In the last five years, the trade in major weapons has increased to its highest levels since the Cold War on account of a spike in demand from Asia and particularly West Asia. "Over the past five years, most states in the Middle East have turned primarily to the USA and Europe in their accelerated pursuit of advanced military capabilities," said Pieter Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. He said despite low oil prices, countries in the region continued to order more weapons in 2016, perceiving them as crucial tools for dealing with conflicts and regional tensions. The US remained the top arms exporter in 2012-16 with a one- third share of global arms exports. Russia accounted for 23 per cent share of global exports with 70 per cent of it going to India, Vietnam, China and Algeria. "The USA supplies major arms to at least 100 countries around the world, significantly more than any other supplier state," said Dr Aude Fleurant, Director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. Imports by states in Europe significantly decreased by 36 per cent between 2007-11 and 2012-16. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India biggest buyer of heavy weapons in last 5 years: Report