SIPRI on global arms imports and exports
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) serves as a leading resource for information and analysis on global arms transfers.
Global Arms Trade:
SIPRI maintains a comprehensive Arms Transfers
Transfers containing details on international arms transfers.
While global arms transfers have slightly decreased in recent years (3.3% between 2014-18 and 2019-23), regional variations exist.
Shifting Landscape:
Surge in European Imports: SIPRI reports a near doubling of European arms imports between 2013-17 and 2018-22, attributed to rising tensions with Russia.
US Dominance: The United States remains the largest arms exporter globally, with its share increasing to 40% in 2018-22.
Russia's Decline: Russia's arms exports have significantly decreased (by 31% between 2013-17 and 2018-22), with France becoming the second-largest exporter.
Additional Insights:
SIPRI actively researches arms transfers to specific regions, analyzing the impact and potential destabilization caused by such transfers.
They advocate for implementing stricter export control regulations and promoting disarmament efforts.
India’s rank – global trend
India was the top arms importer in the world in the period 2019-23.
With imports having gone up by 4.7% compared with the period 2014-18.
At the same time, arms imports by European countries increased by 94% between 2014-18 and 2019-23.
Although Russia remained India’s main arms supplier [accounting for 36% of its arms imports].
This was the first five-year period since 1960-64 when deliveries from Russia [or the Soviet Union prior to 1991].
Nine of the 10 biggest arms importers in 2019-23, including the top three of India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, were in Asia and Oceania or the West Asia.
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