New Delhi: In a significant development, Ukraine has overtaken India to become the world’s largest importer of heavy military weapons, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The war-torn nation accounted for 8.8% of global arms imports during the 2020–2024 period, surpassing India’s 8.3% share.
The surge in Ukraine’s arms procurement is attributed to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which began in February 2022. Over 35 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Poland, have supplied weapons to Ukraine, with the U.S. alone accounting for 45% of the country’s total arms imports. The report highlights a 100-fold increase in Ukraine’s arms imports compared to the 2015–2019 period.
India, which has traditionally been the largest arms importer, saw a 9.3% decline in its imports during the same period. The reduction reflects India’s efforts to boost domestic defense production under the “Make in India” initiative and diversify its sources of military equipment.
Other major arms importers include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, with the latter receiving 81% of its arms from China. The SIPRI report underscores the shifting dynamics of global arms trade, driven by geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts.
Ukraine’s rise as the top arms importer highlights the impact of prolonged warfare on defense procurement and the international community’s role in supporting the country’s military needs. Meanwhile, India’s focus on self-reliance in defense manufacturing marks a strategic shift in its approach to national security.
