Ukraine is the largest arms importer globally from 2020-2024, with India as the second-largest despite a decline in imports. Arms imports by Pakistan rose significantly, mainly from China. The report indicates an increase in Europe’s arms imports and assesses the implications of these shifts in the global arms market.

In the period from 2020 to 2024, Ukraine emerged as the largest importer of major arms globally, with its imports soaring nearly one hundredfold compared to 2015-2019 due to ongoing conflict with Russia. India followed as the second-largest arms importer; however, its imports declined by 9.3% during the same timeframe, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Notably, India has become the leading arms export destination for both Russia and France, despite a significant reduction in exports from Moscow.

A considerable portion of India’s arms imports, specifically 36%, originated from Russia, a marked decrease from 55% in the 2015-19 period and 72% in 2010-14. This trend reflects India’s gradual diversification of its arms suppliers, which remains critical for national security. Meanwhile, China has exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990–94, indicating growth in its domestic arms production capabilities.

Conversely, Pakistan has significantly increased its arms imports by 61% between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024, with China providing a dominating share of 81%. The report also highlighted that Europe has ramped up arms imports, increasing by 155% as countries bolster their defenses in the wake of increased threats. Furthermore, the United States increased its market share of global arms exports to 43%, while Russia’s exports fell notably.

In Asia and Oceania, four countries — India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia — are now among the top 10 global arms importers, showcasing a significant rearmament trend in the region. Russia has supplied major arms to 33 countries during this period, with India receiving 38% of these exports. France, on the other hand, has exported arms to 65 countries, seeing a nearly threefold increase in major arms exports to other European nations, largely due to combat aircraft deliveries.

India has received the largest share of French arms, accounting for 28% of France’s exports. This includes contracts for 36 Rafale fighter jets and six Scorpene-class submarines, with additional deals for 26 Rafale-M jets and three submarines nearing conclusion. The global arms transfer volume remained stable relative to prior years, with Italy’s arms sales rising, marking its ascent in global rankings. Notably, a significant number of countries have supplied arms to Ukraine since the conflict began, contributing to its position as a major arms importer.

In summary, the data underscores the shifting dynamics of global arms imports, highlighting Ukraine’s surge in arms purchasing due to ongoing conflict and India’s significant although declining role as a major importer. With increasing imports from countries like France and an overall stabilization in global arms transfers, regions are prioritizing military reinforcements in response to geopolitical threats. Furthermore, the report reveals a diversification in arms suppliers, particularly for India, amidst a broader trend of rising military expenditures in Europe and Asia.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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