India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Arms Importer: Report

India has emerged as the world’s second-largest arms importer, reflecting its ongoing efforts to modernize its military and respond to growing regional security challenges. According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India accounted for roughly 8.2–8.3 percent of global arms imports in the 2021–2025 period, placing it second only to Ukraine in global rankings.
The findings highlight India’s continued reliance on foreign military equipment even as the country works to strengthen its domestic defense industry. Analysts say the scale of India’s imports reflects the size of its armed forces, the complexity of its security environment, and the need to upgrade aging military hardware.
India faces multiple security challenges in its neighborhood. Tensions with China along the disputed Himalayan border have intensified in recent years, while the longstanding rivalry with Pakistan remains a major strategic concern. These threats have encouraged New Delhi to accelerate defense modernization and ensure that its armed forces remain technologically competitive.
To address these challenges, India has been purchasing advanced weapon systems from several international suppliers. These include fighter aircraft, missile systems, submarines, helicopters, and surveillance technologies. The goal is to strengthen capabilities across all three branches of the military—army, navy, and air force.
Historically, Russia has been India’s largest arms supplier. Many of India’s most important military platforms, including tanks, fighter jets, and air-defense systems, originated from Russian designs. However, recent years have seen a gradual shift in India’s procurement strategy.
SIPRI data indicates that India is increasingly diversifying its sources of weapons, reducing its dependence on Moscow while strengthening partnerships with Western countries. Nations such as the United States, France, and Israel have become important defense partners, supplying advanced technology and equipment.
France, for example, has delivered Rafale fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, while Israel has provided sophisticated drones and radar systems. The United States has also expanded defense cooperation with India, supplying helicopters, surveillance aircraft, and other advanced platforms.
Despite remaining a major importer, India’s arms purchases have slightly declined compared with earlier years. SIPRI data shows that India’s imports dropped by about 9 percent between the periods 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, partly because of growing domestic production capabilities.
The Indian government has been promoting policies aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Through initiatives such as “Make in India,” authorities hope to encourage local production of military equipment and develop an indigenous defense industry capable of meeting the country’s long-term needs.
Several domestic companies have already begun manufacturing military hardware ranging from artillery systems to drones and armored vehicles. Government officials argue that expanding domestic defense production will not only strengthen national security but also create jobs and support economic growth.
Nevertheless, experts say that achieving complete self-reliance in defense manufacturing will take years. Many advanced technologies—such as aircraft engines, sophisticated missile systems, and stealth capabilities—remain difficult to develop domestically. As a result, India is likely to continue importing certain high-tech weapons in the near future.
Globally, the arms trade has been influenced by increasing geopolitical tensions and rising defense spending. Conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia have prompted many countries to upgrade their militaries and secure new weapons systems. In this environment, major exporters such as the United States and France continue to dominate the global defense market.
For India, maintaining a strong and modern military remains a strategic priority. With one of the world’s largest armed forces and a rapidly evolving security environment, the country is expected to remain a significant participant in the international arms market for years to come.
While the push for self-reliance continues, the latest report underscores a key reality: India’s military modernization still depends heavily on global defense suppliers. As geopolitical tensions persist, the country’s position as the world’s second-largest arms importer is likely to remain an important feature of the global arms trade landscape.