India becomes the World’s Largest Arms Importer as per SIPRI Report 2023
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Report 2023, India has become the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 11% of the global arms imports during 2017-2021. The report also revealed that India’s arms imports increased by 82% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021.
The United States was the largest arms exporter during 2017-2021, followed by Russia and China. Together, these three countries accounted for 76% of the global arms exports. The report also highlighted that the total volume of international transfers of major arms during 2017-2021 was 5.5% higher than during the previous five years.
The SIPRI report has significant implications for India’s defense sector and national security. India has been pursuing a policy of indigenization and self-reliance in defense production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The report underscores the need for India to enhance its defense production capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Historical Context:
India has been a major arms importer for several decades due to its long-standing security concerns and lack of domestic production capabilities. The country has been heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for its defense requirements, including aircraft, ships, submarines, and missiles. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was established in 1958 to develop indigenous defense technologies and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. However, India’s defense production sector has not kept pace with the growing demand for modernization and modern warfare capabilities.
Key Takeaways from the SIPRI Report 2023:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India has been named the world’s largest importer of arms by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in 2023. |
| 2 | India’s imports of major arms increased by 39% between 2014-18 and 2019-23, as per the SIPRI report. |
| 3 | The United States, Russia, and China were the top three arms exporters in the world, while India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt were the top three arms importers in 2023, according to the SIPRI report. |
| 4 | The Indian Air Force was the largest importer of arms in India, with 70% of imports being aircraft. |
| 5 | The SIPRI report highlights the need for India to develop its domestic defence industry to reduce dependence on foreign arms imports. |
In conclusion, the SIPRI Report 2023 highlights India’s growing dependence on foreign arms imports and underscores the need for the country to enhance its defense production capabilities. The report has significant implications for India’s national security and defense sector and provides important insights for students preparing for government exams.
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q. What is the SIPRI Report 2023?
- The SIPRI Report 2023 is an annual report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute that provides information on global arms transfers.
Q. What does the SIPRI Report 2023 say about India’s arms imports?
- The report states that India has become the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 11% of the global arms imports during 2017-2021. It also reveals that India’s arms imports increased by 82% between 2012-2016 and 2017-2021.
Q. Which countries are the largest arms exporters according to the SIPRI Report 2023?
- The report states that the United States was the largest arms exporter during 2017-2021, followed by Russia and China.
Q. What are the implications of the SIPRI Report 2023 for India’s defense sector?
- The report underscores the need for India to enhance its defense production capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Q. What is the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan?
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a policy initiative launched by the Indian government to promote self-reliance and indigenization in various sectors, including defense production.
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