India Ranks as World’s 2nd Largest Arms Importer in 2021–25 with 8.2% Share: SIPRI

India emerged as the second-largest importer of major arms globally during the 2021–2025 period, according to a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. 

India’s Share in Global Arms Imports 

The report said India accounted for 8.2% of global arms imports during the period, placing it among the largest buyers of defence equipment worldwide.  

According to SIPRI, India’s procurement of foreign weapons systems has largely been driven by its security tensions with China and Pakistan. 

These regional tensions have occasionally escalated into armed confrontations, including a brief conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025, during which both countries used imported major weapons systems. 

At the same time, India’s overall arms imports declined 4% between 2016–20 and 2021–25, reflecting growing domestic capabilities in designing and manufacturing defence equipment. 

Shift in Defence Procurement Strategy 

Over the past decade, India has gradually diversified its defence suppliers, reducing reliance on Russia and increasing purchases from Western partners such as France, Israel and the United States. 

Russia’s share in India’s arms imports declined from 70% during 2011–15 to 51% in 2016–20, and further to 40% in 2021–25, although India remained Moscow’s largest defence customer during this period. 

Globally, the top 5 arms importers between 2021 and 2025 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, together accounting for 35% of total global arms imports. 

Defence Deals and Domestic Manufacturing Push 

India has also continued to place major defence orders with international partners. In April 2025, the country signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, with deliveries expected by 2030. 

The Ministry of Defence also entered into an agreement with US-based Metrea Management for the wet lease of a KC135 flight refuelling aircraft to provide air-to-air refuelling training for Indian Air Force and Indian Navy pilots. 

In addition, India recently signed a ₹2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia to procure Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames. 

Read More: Middle East War Impact: LPG Refill Gap Raised to 25 Days to Prevent Hoarding! 

Conclusion 

India is simultaneously expanding domestic defence manufacturing, with the latest Union Budget allocating ₹7.85 lakh crore to defence, including ₹1.39 lakh crore for procurement from domestic industries, while reserving 75% of the capital acquisition budget for local manufacturers in FY27. 

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