In its annual “Trends in international arms transfers 2019" report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

listed the world’s top five arms importers during the five-year period as Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia and China.

Together, the five accounted for 36% of all arms imports. India remained the world’s second largest arms importer during the period 2015-19.

• In fact, India has been in the second place, behind Saudi Arabia, in SIPRI’s list of arms importers for several years.
• Arms imports from Israel and France increased, by 175% and 715% respectively, making them the second- and third-largest suppliers during 2015-19, making them the second- and third-largest suppliers during 2015-19; with Russia being the largest supplier.
• According to data from SIPRI for 2015-19, India also acquired military hardware from other countries (Apart from US and Russia), including Scanter-6000 radars from Denmark, Embraer ERJ-145 jets for a home-grown airborne early warning and control system from Brazil, ACTAS sonar systems from Germany, Super Rapid 76mm naval guns from Italy and K-9 Thunder 155mm artillery guns from South Korea.

LAGGING IN EXPORTS: The report placed India 23rd among the world’s 25 largest arms exporters, with its main clients being Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.