National News: India is a nation that has always supported peace, cooperation, and diplomacy on the global stage. But in the changing global scenario, India has given top priority to its security. This is the reason why, while on the one hand indigenous defense production is being promoted under "Make in India," on the other hand, world-class weapons are also being imported when needed. This has been confirmed in a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
SIPRI report: India in second place
According to SIPRI's 2020-24 report, India has become the second-largest arms importer in the world. India's share in global arms imports has been 8.3%. In first place is the warring Ukraine (8.8%), which has imported weapons at the fastest pace in the last five years.
This situation in Ukraine arose due to the war with Russia in 2022. The report states that it has received weapons as military aid from about 35 countries.
Change in China's position
While India has reached the top position in arms imports, the opposite trend has been seen in the case of China. According to the report, China's imports have declined by almost two-thirds in 2020-24 compared to 2015-19. The reason for this is that China's focus is now on domestic arms production. This means that it is moving rapidly towards self-reliance.
Largest arms exporting countries
If we talk about exporters globally, then America is at the forefront. According to the report, America's share in global arms exports is 43%. It is followed by France (9.6%) and Russia (7.8%). India also imports weapons on a large scale from these countries.
India's strategy: A model of balance
India's strategy is clear—promote indigenous production, but ensure procurement of state-of-the-art weapons through international collaboration until self-sufficiency is achieved in all areas. India's modern defence policies have adopted a 'buffer strategy', which includes being prepared in view of potential aggression from neighbours like China and Pakistan.
A confluence of power and peace
India is no longer just an importing country, but a nation that is conscious about the security of its citizens and is also capable of mobilizing all the necessary resources. The SIPRI report reflects India's strategic vision, which gives equal importance to the balance of power along with the desire for peace.
