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SIPRI report 2022: India remains the world’s largest arms importer between 2018-22 despite a drop in imports.
Key Takeaway
- Throughout the five years 2018-22, India remained the world’s greatest armaments importer.
- Even though its weaponry imports fell 11% between 2013-17 and 2018-22, according to the Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- Russia was India’s major weaponry supplier in both 2013-17 and 2018-22.
- Between 2018 and 22, its share of overall Indian arms imports plummeted from 64% to 45%, with France emerging as the second largest supplier.
SIPRI report
- Overview
- According to the most recent SIPRI data, India was the largest arms export market to three nations; Russia, France, and Israel.
- And the second largest export market to South Korea.
- South Africa, number 21 on the list of arms exports, also has India as its third-largest market.
- During the same period, India was the top importer of weaponry, followed by Saudi Arabia.
- Russia supplied 45% of India’s imports, followed by France (29%) and the United States (11%).
- In addition, after Russia and China, India was the third largest weaponry exporter to Myanmar, accounting for 14% of its purchases.
- Tensions with Pakistan and China mainly drive India’s appetite for military imports.
- India was the world’s largest importer of significant weaponry from 2018 to 2022.
- Accounting for 11% of total worldwide imports, a position it has held since 1993.
- It maintained this position despite an 11% decline in weaponry imports between 2013 and 2017 and 2018 to 2022.
- India’s lengthy and complex arms procurement procedure and efforts to diversify its arms suppliers.
- As well as efforts to replace imports with significant arms designed and manufactured in India.
Significance of the report
- It comes at a time when India’s reliance on Russian military hardware.
- It ranges from fighter jets to guns, submarines, and shoulder-fired missiles has been highlighted.
- Despite increasing purchases of US military hardware by India, around 60% of the weaponry stockpile of the three services remains of Russian origin.
- It is unclear how the new sanctions against Russia will be implemented and what challenges they will cause for the military in the short and long term.
- The impact of Russia’s unparalleled economic isolation on India’s military readiness and weapon and equipment serviceability is jeopardised.
Dependence on Russia is declining
- Russia’s arms exports to India decreased by 47% between 2012-16 and 2017-21, although multiple platforms.
- It includes air defence systems and warships, which are on the way.
- Over the two comparative five-year periods, Russia was India’s greatest supplier of key weapons and systems.
SIPRI
- About
- SIPRI is an independent international institute devoted to conflict, weaponry, arms control, and disarmament research.
- SIPRI, founded in 1966, delivers data, analysis, and recommendations based on open sources to policymakers, scholars, the media, and the general public.
- SIPRI, based in Stockholm, is consistently named among the world’s most prestigious think tanks.
- Vision
- SIPRI envisions a society where insecurity sources are identified and understood, conflicts are avoided or resolved, and peace is maintained.
- Missions
- Conduct security, conflict, and peace research and activities.
- Policy analysis and recommendations are provided.
- Promote dialogue and capacity building.
- Encourage openness and accountability.
- Provide authoritative information to international audiences.
Nuclear diplomacy
- Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
- The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) came into force in January 2021 after gaining the minimum 50 ratifications.
- New START
- The arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, New START, has been extended for another five years.
- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
- The commencement of talks on the US rejoining and Iran returning to compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Conclusion
- Because of anticipated threats from China and Pakistan and severe delays in indigenous manufacture, India has major plans for weaponry imports.
- The decline in India’s weaponry imports is most likely due to the country’s long and complex procurement process and a shift in suppliers.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu