India was the world’s second-largest arms importer in 2021–25, SIPRI data shows

India remained the world’s second-largest importer of arms and military hardware between 2021 and 2025 , accounting for 8.2 per cent of global arms imports , according to a new report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The report, titled Trends in International Arms Transfers , said Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer globally , receiving 9.7 per cent of all international arms transfers during the period , largely due to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war and the country’s urgent defence requirements. India’s arms imports declined marginally by about four per cent between 2016–20 and 2021–25 , but the country continued to remain among the world’s top buyers of military equipment. The report attributed the slight decline partly to India’s growing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and policy push for self-reliance .

Russia remained India’s largest supplier of military hardware , accounting for 40 per cent of the country’s arms imports during 2021–25 . However, the report highlighted a gradual shift away from Moscow compared with earlier years when Russia accounted for a much larger share of India’s imports.

India has increasingly diversified its defence procurement by sourcing equipment from Western suppliers. The report noted that France and Israel have emerged as major suppliers , reflecting New Delhi’s broader strategy to diversify its military partnerships and reduce dependence on a single source.

Security tensions with China and Pakistan were cited as key drivers behind India’s continued demand for advanced military systems and weapons platforms.

Across the Asia and Oceania region, India, Pakistan, Japan and Australia were among the world’s ten largest arms importers during the 2021–25 period. The United States was the main supplier to the region, accounting for 35 per cent of regional arms imports , followed by Russia and China.

The report also highlighted a sharp increase in Pakistan’s arms imports, which rose by 66 per cent compared with the previous five-year period , with China supplying around 80 per cent of Islamabad’s weapons imports .

Globally, the United States further strengthened its position as the world’s largest arms exporter , accounting for 42 per cent of all international arms transfers , up from 36 per cent in 2016–20.

Overall, the volume of major arms transfers worldwide increased by 9.2 per cent between 2016–20 and 2021–25 , with European countries emerging as the largest recipients after sharply increasing their defence purchases amid rising security concerns.