News Highlights
- The conclusions of SIPRI Yearbook 2022, which examines the present situation of weapons, disarmament, and international security, were released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Findings of Yearbook
- Nuclear warheads
- Global Findings
- The nine nuclear-armed nations United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)—continue to modernise their nuclear arsenals.
- While the total number of nuclear weapons fell slightly between January 2021 and January 2022, it is expected to rise in the coming decade.
- Findings on India
- As of January 2022, India had 160 nuclear weapons and appeared to be growing its nuclear arsenal.
- The number of nuclear weapons in India’s arsenal increased from 156 in January 2021 to 160 in January 2022.
- Findings on China
- In both January 2021 and January 2022, China had 350 nuclear warheads.
- Findings on Super Powers
- Russia and the USA together possess over 90% of all nuclear weapons.
- Global Findings
- Importers of Major Arms:
- In the period 2016-20, SIPRI recognised 164 countries as major arms importers.
- Country Wise
- Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia, and China were the top five countries in terms of arms imports, accounting for 36% of overall imports.
- Region Wise
- Asia and Oceania received the greatest amount of significant arms deliveries in 2016-20, accounting for 42 percent of the global total, followed by the Middle East, which received 33 percent.
- Suppliers of Major Arms:
- The five largest suppliers in 2016-20 – the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China – accounted for 76% of the total volume of exports of major arms.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI)
- SIPRI is a non-profit international research organisation that focuses on conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
- Established on 1966
- Vision
- SIPRI envisions a world where insecurity sources are identified and understood, conflicts are avoided or resolved, and peace is maintained.
- Mission
- undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace;
- provide policy analysis and recommendations;
- facilitate dialogue and build capacities;
- promote transparency and accountability; and
- deliver authoritative information to global audiences.
Content Source : The Hindu