SIPRI Report Highlights India’s Defence Import Status
India Remains Second Largest Arms Importer Globally: India continues to remain the world’s second-largest arms importer, according to the latest report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in 2026. The report analysed global arms transfers during the 2021–25 period, showing that India still depends significantly on foreign defence suppliers.
However, the report indicates a 4 percent decline in India’s arms imports compared with the 2016–20 period. This decline reflects the government’s increasing focus on domestic defence manufacturing and strategic diversification of procurement partners.
Static GK fact: SIPRI, established in 1966, is a Sweden-based international research institute that studies global arms transfers, military expenditure, and international security trends.
Push for Self Reliance in Defence Production
India’s slight reduction in arms imports is closely linked to initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat aimed at strengthening indigenous defence production. The government has promoted domestic manufacturing of missiles, artillery systems, warships, and surveillance equipment through public and private sector participation.
Policies such as Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and the negative import list for defence items have encouraged domestic industries to produce equipment previously imported. This strategy aims to reduce dependency on external suppliers and strengthen India’s defence industrial base.
Despite these efforts, India continues to import advanced technologies such as fighter aircraft, air defence systems, and specialised electronic warfare platforms, which require high technological expertise.
Static GK Tip: India’s largest indigenous defence manufacturers include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Russia Remains Major Defence Supplier
According to the SIPRI analysis, Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, accounting for approximately 40 percent of India’s total imports during 2021–25. Historically, Russia has been India’s primary defence partner, supplying systems such as S-400 air defence systems, Sukhoi fighter jets, and nuclear submarines.
However, Russia’s share has gradually declined from 51 percent during 2016–20 and nearly 70 percent during 2011–15. This reduction highlights India’s effort to diversify defence procurement and reduce dependence on a single supplier.
India’s diversification strategy has become more significant in the context of global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
France and Israel Strengthen Defence Cooperation
France has emerged as India’s second-largest defence supplier, contributing around 24 percent of total arms imports. The strategic partnership strengthened after India acquired 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
India is also considering procurement of 114 additional Rafale aircraft under a future multi-role fighter aircraft programme. This deal could significantly expand defence cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Israel accounts for nearly 15 percent of India’s defence imports, particularly in advanced technologies such as drones, missile systems, and radar-based air defence platforms. Israel has become a key partner in precision weapons and surveillance technology.
Static GK fact: India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992, and defence cooperation has expanded rapidly since then.
Rising Global Arms Trade
Globally, the SIPRI report recorded a 9.2 percent increase in major arms transfers between 2016–20 and 2021–25. Rising geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and security concerns have contributed to the increase in military procurement worldwide.
The United States remains the largest arms exporter, accounting for about 42 percent of global arms exports, supplying weapons to nearly 99 countries. Europe has emerged as a major destination for American arms due to increased security concerns following the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Static GK fact: The United States, Russia, France, China, and Germany are traditionally the top five arms exporters globally.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Remains Second Largest Arms Importer Globally:
| Topic | Detail |
| Report | SIPRI global arms transfer report 2026 |
| India’s rank | Second-largest arms importer globally |
| Import change | 4 percent decline between 2016–20 and 2021–25 |
| Largest supplier | Russia with about 40 percent share |
| Second supplier | France with around 24 percent share |
| Third supplier | Israel with nearly 15 percent share |
| Global arms trade trend | Increased by about 9.2 percent |
| Largest exporter globally | United States with 42 percent share |
| Key policy initiative | Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing |
