India has been diversifying its defence imports with France and the United States, moving away from Russia its traditional arms supplier
As the government of India pushes through with its ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar initiatives’ it still maintains the status of being the largest arms importer in the world according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report published by SIPRI on 11th March. India’s arms import increased by 4.7 per cent during the periods2014-18 and 2019-23. The total share of global arms imports of India accounts for 9.8 per cent during the period 2019-2023.
Indian government has implemented numerous reforms in the defence sector to boost indigenous defence production. India’s main arms supplier is Russia at 36 per cent, followed by France at 33 per cent, with the United States taking the 3rd position.
However, the change in India’s defence import policy has resulted in reducing Russia’s arms imports at a steady pace. India has been diversifying its defence imports coming from other countries, primarily France and the United States. In addition, the pursuance of Atmanirbharta, has led to a decline in imports.
Russian Arms Exports And India
The Russian defence industry has remained focused on producing for domestic needs since the invasion of Ukraine. Its arms exports have fallen by 53 per cent between 2014–18 and 2019–23. While during 2014-18 its share of global arms exports was at 21 per cent, it came down to 11 per cent between 2019-2023, according to the report.
Russia’s major arms supply goes to Asia and Oceanian states covering up to 68 per cent in 2019-23. Its major arms importers have been India, China, and Egypt, although India decreased arms imports by 34 per cent during 2014-18 and 2019-23. A similar reduction was seen with other Asian states such as Vietnam and Algeria, which were the third and fourth largest Russian arms importers.
The geopolitical shift and India’s desire to become self-reliant in the defence sector led to diversification of its arms imports to France, the U.S. and Israel. In the last decade, India’s major imports from Russia were missiles, followed by items such as engines and armoured vehicles. With the Indian private sector catching up to India’s defence needs, many of its traditional arms imports are shifting to indigenous production.
India’s neighbourhood
While Pakistan faces its most unstable period, it has increased its share of global arms imports from 2.9 per cent during 2014–18 to 4.3 per cent in 2019–23. Its arms imports are mainly from China.
China’s imports have reduced by 44 per cent between the periods 2014–18 to 2019–23.
While Chinese defence spending doubled under President Xi Jinping’s 11 years in office by 7.2 per cent this year. Its imports have reduced to 44 per cent at the same time its arms exports have taken a beating due to poor quality performance. Pakistan continues to import mostly Chinese equipment. Pakistan’s dependence on Beijing means Islamabad will continue to bend its policies according to Beijing’s likings.
Future Of India’s Defence Capabilities
India’s interim budget for defence stands at Rs 621,541 crores (US$78 billion) in 2024-2025. With the stress on Atmanirbharta, we are likely to witness a reduction in import of defence stores and platforms. In fact, a considerable per centage of the Capital Acquisition budget has been earmarked for the Indian Defence Industry. In such an environment the Indian defence sector is expected to grow and cater to most of the equipment requirement of the Indian forces.
Team Bharatshakti
