India second-largest arms importer after Ukraine in 2020-24, says SIPRI, Pg 14

India’s Position in Global Arms Imports

• India was the second-largest arms importer globally between 2020-24, following Ukraine, which saw a 100-fold increase in imports due to war with Russia.
• India’s arms imports declined by 9.3% compared to 2015-19, reflecting efforts toward domestic defense production.
• China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, indicating increased self-sufficiency.

Major Arms Suppliers to India

• Russia remained the largest supplier but its share in India’s arms imports fell to 36% from 55% (2015-19) and 72% (2010-14).
• France became India’s second-largest arms supplier, accounting for 28% of its total exports – nearly double the share of all European buyers combined (15%).
• India has signed key defense deals with France, including 36 Rafale fighter jets, six Scorpene-class submarines, and upcoming contracts for 26 Rafale-M jets and three additional submarines.

Global Trends in Arms Trade

• Russia’s arms exports fell by 64%, dropping behind France (9.6%) as the second-largest exporter after the U.S. (43%).
• Ukraine accounted for 8.8% of global arms imports with at least 35 countries supplying it with weapons since 2022.

Analysis & Way Forward

• India’s reduction in arms imports aligns with Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat but dependency on foreign suppliers remains high.
• Strengthening indigenous defense production and technology transfer agreements with partners like France & Russia is crucial.

Mains Mock Question:

_"Analyze India’s position as a global arms importer and discuss its efforts toward defense self-reliance. How can India balance its strategic defense partnerships while strengthening domestic arms production?"_