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India continues to be the second-largest arms importer in the world, according to the latest report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report, which analyzed global arms transfers between 2021 and 2025, shows that India accounted for about 8.2% of total global arms imports during this period.
Although India has been making efforts to increase domestic defence production through initiatives like “Make in India”, the country still relies significantly on foreign suppliers for advanced military equipment. The report highlights both the reasons behind India’s continued arms imports and the changing pattern of its defence procurement.
India’s Position in Global Arms Imports
According to SIPRI data, Ukraine ranked first among global arms importers during the 2021–2025 period, largely because of the ongoing war with Russia. India ranked second, followed by countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan.
India’s share of 8.2% of global arms imports indicates the country’s large defence requirements. Even though India’s arms imports have slightly declined by around 4% compared to the previous five-year period, it still remains one of the largest buyers of major weapons systems in the world.
The five largest arms importers together accounted for about 35% of global arms imports, showing that defence procurement is concentrated among a small group of countries facing significant security challenges.
Reasons Behind India’s High Arms Imports
India’s continued reliance on imported defence equipment is mainly due to its security environment and strategic challenges. The country shares borders with two nuclear-armed neighbors, China and Pakistan, and tensions with both nations have led to periodic military confrontations.
Because of these security concerns, India needs advanced weapons systems, including fighter jets, submarines, missile systems, and air defence equipment. While the country has made progress in building its domestic defence industry, certain technologies and complex systems still need to be imported from abroad.
In addition, modernization of the Indian armed forces is an ongoing process. Much of the equipment used by the military was purchased decades ago and now requires replacement or upgrading. As a result, India continues to sign defence deals with foreign suppliers.
Major Arms Suppliers to India
Historically, Russia has been India’s largest defence supplier. Even today, a significant portion of India’s military equipment originates from Russian designs or technology. However, the SIPRI report notes that India has gradually been diversifying its sources of arms imports.
Apart from Russia, India now imports defence equipment from several other countries, including France, Israel, and the United States.
For example:
- France has supplied advanced Rafale fighter aircraft to India.
- Israel provides surveillance systems, drones, and missile technologies.
- The United States has supplied helicopters, aircraft, and other defence equipment.
This diversification helps India reduce dependence on a single country and strengthens strategic partnerships with multiple global powers.
Impact of “Make in India” in Defence
In recent years, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote domestic defence manufacturing. Under the “Make in India” program, the government encourages Indian companies to produce military equipment locally and collaborate with international firms for technology transfer.
Policies such as defence production corridors, restrictions on importing certain weapons, and increased investment in indigenous research are part of this strategy. The goal is to achieve greater self-reliance in defence production, also known as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the defence sector.
These efforts have started to show results. India has begun manufacturing its own equipment such as fighter aircraft, missiles, artillery guns, and naval vessels. The country has also started exporting defence equipment to several nations.
However, experts say that building a strong domestic defence industry takes time. Advanced technologies, large investments, and years of research are required before a country can fully replace imports with local production.
Global Trends in Arms Trade
The SIPRI report also highlights broader trends in global arms trade. Worldwide arms transfers have increased due to geopolitical tensions and conflicts in various regions. The war in Ukraine and rising security concerns in Asia and Europe have led many countries to increase their defence spending.
The United States remains the world’s largest arms exporter, supplying weapons to many allied countries. France has also emerged as a major exporter, while Russia’s share in global arms exports has declined in recent years.
These global changes are also influencing India’s defence procurement strategy, as the country looks for reliable partners and advanced technologies.
Conclusion
India’s position as the second-largest arms importer in the world reflects both its security challenges and the ongoing modernization of its armed forces. While imports remain significant, the country is actively working toward strengthening its domestic defence industry.
Through initiatives such as Make in India and increased investment in indigenous technology, India aims to gradually reduce its dependence on foreign weapons in the future. However, until domestic production fully meets the needs of the armed forces, imports will likely continue to play an important role in ensuring the country’s defence preparedness.
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