India Is The Biggest Buyer Of Arms In The World

According to Swedish think tank, India remains the biggest buyer of arms in the world, importing nearly three times as many arms as its nearest competitors China and Pakistan during the last five years. The total volume of the arms sale was up 14 percent in 2009-2013 compared to previous five years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India imports of major weapons rose by 111 percent in the last five years compared to 2004-08. Its share of total global imports increased from 7 to 14 percent. India replaced China as the world's biggest arms buyer in 2010. With its domestic industry struggling to manufacture high-tech arms. The main supplier of arms to India in 2009-2013 was Russia, accounting for 75 % of all imports-- reflecting India's needs to upgrade and moderinise its weapons system dating back to their close relationship during Cold War. India has lately sought to diversify its sources, looking particularly to the United States. Figures released in February by IHS Jane's showed that India became the biggest buyer of Us arms during the last year- with total imports worth $ 1.9 billion and a string of large-scale purchase including Boeing's C-17 A transport aircraft and P-81 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. India's traditional rival Pakistan increased its weapon acquisition by 119 percent growing from 2 % of the global total to 5 % during that period. The five largest arms suppliers worldwide between 2009-2013 were the United States (29 percent of global exports), Russia (27 %), Germany (7 percent)and France (5 Percent). The world's top arms importers were now India, China, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.