Fall in India’s arms imports- SIPRI

According to a report by Stockholm-based defence think-tank (SIPRI), India’s arms imports decreased by 33% during 2011-15 and 2016-20. It said the drop in imports has been due to complexity in procurement process combined with Indian government’s attempt to reduce the dependence on Russia.

During the past few years, the Indian government has taken steps to boost the defence industry of the country with the purpose to become less dependent on imports of military equipment. Shripad Nayak, Minister of State for Defence, has stated to Rajya Sabha, that during 2018-19 and 2020-21 (till December), around 112 projects with an approximate value of Rs. 1.99 lakh crore has been approved (Acceptance of Necessity) with the purpose to boost growth in domestic defence manufacturing.

The SIPRI report states that exports of arms by both China and Russia have decreased. Russia’s arms exports which accounted for 20% of all exports during 2016-20, reduced by 22 per cent. The country is most affected by India’s fall in the import of arms.