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Context:
Ukraine, involved in a war with Russia for the past four years, was the largest importer of major arms in the world in the 2020-24 period, clocking a nearly hundredfold rise in imports compared with the figures for 2015-19.
Key Highlights
- Ukraine became the largest importer of major arms, with a 100-fold increase compared to 2015-19, due to its ongoing war with Russia.
- India ranked as the second-largest arms importer, despite a 9.3% decline in imports.
- China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its growing domestic defense industry.
- Russia’s arms exports fell by 64%, dropping to third place behind the U.S. and France.
- France’s arms exports surged, making India its largest customer (28% of exports), followed by Qatar (9.7%).
- Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 61%, with China providing 81% of its weapons.
India’s Arms Imports: Changing Trends
Global Arms Export & Import Trends
- Top 3 Arms Exporters (2020-24):
- United States (43% of global exports) – Maintained dominance.
- France (9.6%) – Overtook Russia as the second-largest exporter.
- Russia (7.8%) – Significant decline in global share.
- Key Regional Trends:
- Europe’s arms imports increased by 155%, largely due to rearmament in response to Russia.
- Italy rose to sixth place among arms exporters, securing a 4.8% share.
- Saudi Arabia, India, and China saw declining import volumes for varied reasons.
Ukraine’s Arms Imports
- Received 8.8% of global arms imports in 2020-24.
- At least 35 countries supplied weapons to Ukraine since 2022.
- Major supplies came from France, U.S., and European allies.
Conclusion
- The Russia-Ukraine war has reshaped global arms trade, with Europe increasing imports and Russia losing market dominance.
- India is diversifying its suppliers, relying more on France and reducing dependence on Russia.
- China is self-sufficient, reducing its arms imports significantly.
- Pakistan remains heavily reliant on China, while Ukraine has rapidly become the world’s top arms importer.
Source: The Hindu
