International ReportsImportant2026-03-09

SIPRI Trends in International Arms Transfers 2025

Q: Which of the following statements regarding the SIPRI Trends in International Arms Transfers report (2021-2025) is/are correct? 1. The report noted a decrease in global arms transfers for the 2021-2025 period compared to 2016-2020. 2. India and Ukraine were identified as the world's top arms importers during this period.

B. 2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because the SIPRI report noted a 9.2 percent increase in global arms transfers compared to the 2016-2020 period. Statement 2 is correct as India and Ukraine were highlighted as the top arms importers.

Why focus: GS2 Reports — high-yield SIPRI data. Perfect for Match-the-Following on global arms transfer rankings and India's import/export trajectory.

In News

What Happened

On March 9, 2026, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report on international arms transfers for the 2021-2025 period. The report highlighted a 9.2 percent increase in global arms transfers compared to the 2016-2020 period. The United States retained its position as the top global arms exporter, while India and Ukraine remained the world's largest arms importers.

Why It Matters

This report underscores India's continuing dependence on foreign military hardware despite intense domestic indigenisation efforts. It highlights the strategic urgency for initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and the Defence Acquisition Procedure to reduce import reliance and strengthen national security.

Background

History & Context

SIPRI, established in 1966, is a premier independent institute tracking global military expenditure and arms transfers. India has historically relied heavily on Russian military hardware, though recent decades have seen diversification towards the US, France, and Israel. To counter this structural import reliance, the Indian government introduced the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and established Positive Indigenisation Lists to ban the import of specific weapon systems.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Global arms transfers showed varying trends in the previous five-year block of 2016-2020. NOW: The 2021-2025 period witnessed a definitive 9.2 percent increase in global arms transfers, driven by geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
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BEFORE: India was heavily reliant on direct imports for critical systems without strict domestic sourcing mandates. NOW: While still a top importer, India operates under the DAP 2020 framework, heavily prioritizing the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category to force technology transfer and local manufacturing.
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BEFORE: Ukraine was a relatively minor player in the global arms import market prior to the 2022 conflict. NOW: Due to continuous military assistance from Western nations, Ukraine has cemented its position as one of the world's top arms importers alongside India.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This topic connects with the Class 12 Political Science NCERT chapter on 'Security in the Contemporary World'. It illustrates the traditional notions of external security, showing how nations build military capabilities through arms imports and domestic production to maintain the balance of power.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements regarding the SIPRI Trends in International Arms Transfers report (2021-2025) is/are correct? 1. The report noted a decrease in global arms transfers for the 2021-2025 period compared to 2016-2020. 2. India and Ukraine were identified as the world's top arms importers during this period.

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