India Second-Largest Arms Importer status continues globally despite a slight fall in defence imports in recent years. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer during the 2021–25 period. The report highlights how India is gradually diversifying its defence suppliers while also focusing on increasing domestic military production.

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Although imports have slightly decreased, India still depends on foreign countries for several advanced defence systems and military technologies.

Decline in Arms Imports and Push for Self-Reliance

The SIPRI report states that India’s arms imports declined by about 4 percent between 2016–20 and 2021–25. This drop reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing through initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India has increased indigenous production of equipment such as missiles, artillery systems, and naval platforms. These developments have helped reduce some dependence on imports. However, the country still needs to import complex systems including fighter aircraft, air defence systems, and specialised defence technology.

Russia Remains Top Supplier

Russia continues to be India’s largest arms supplier, accounting for around 40 percent of total imports between 2021 and 2025. However, this share has declined compared to earlier years. Russia supplied about 51 percent of India’s arms during 2016–20 and nearly 70 percent during 2011–15.

The decline indicates India’s strategy to diversify its defence procurement and build partnerships with more countries.

France and Israel Strengthen Defence Partnership

France has become the second-largest arms supplier to India with about 24 percent of total imports. Defence cooperation between the two countries is expected to grow further as India plans additional purchases of Rafale fighter aircraft.

Israel also remains a key defence partner, contributing about 15 percent of India’s arms imports. Israeli technology plays an important role in areas such as drones, missile systems, and air defence technologies.

India Second-Largest Arms Importer as Global Arms Trade Increasing

The SIPRI report also shows that global arms transfers increased by about 9.2 percent between 2016–20 and 2021–25. Rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts have increased the demand for advanced weapons worldwide.

The United States remains the largest arms exporter globally, accounting for about 42 percent of international arms transfers and supplying weapons to nearly 99 countries.

Overall, India Second-Largest Arms Importer ranking reflects the country’s continuing reliance on foreign defence systems even as it works to strengthen domestic military manufacturing.