India is strategically shifting its defense procurement strategy, reducing its dependence on Russian arms to counter tensions with Pakistan and China. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India’s arms imports from Russia have declined drastically, from 76% in the 2009–13 period to 36% in 2019–23. This marks the first time since the 1960s that less than half of India’s arms imports come from Russia, signaling a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy.

The Shift Away from Russian Arms

India’s diversification of arms suppliers includes a significant increase in orders from Western countries like France and the United States. France has become a major supplier, with significant deals for combat aircraft, while the United States has also emerged as a key arms supplier, reinforcing its strategic partnership with India.Strategic Realignment and Regional Security
This shift in defense procurement comes amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan and China. Pakistan, a significant arms importer, has seen a 43% increase in arms imports, mostly from China, strengthening the China-Pakistan defense partnership. India’s response involves bolstering its defense posture through diversified arms imports and indigenous military development.

Global Arms Trade Trends
The SIPRI report also highlights global trends in arms trade, with the United States and Western Europe accounting for 72% of all arms exports in 2019–23. France has witnessed a 47% increase in arms exports, positioning itself just ahead of Russia. Conversely, Russia’s arms exports have decreased by 53%, making it the third-largest arms exporter behind France.

European states have increased their arms imports significantly, with Ukraine becoming the largest European arms importer and the fourth largest globally due to the conflict with Russia. India maintains its position as the world’s leading arms importer, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine, and others.

Top Exporters and Shifts in Market Share
Conversely, the top arms exporters include the United States (42%), France (11%), Russia (11%), China (5.8%), Germany (5.6%), Italy (4.3%), UK (3.7%), Spain (2.7%), Israel (2.4%), and South Korea (2%). Notably, the US experienced a significant increase in its overall share, rising by 17% between 2014-18 and 2019-23. In contrast, Russia’s share declined by 53%, allowing France to surpass it in the global arms trade.

India’s Role in Global Arms Procurement
India’s significant role in global arms procurement is evident, as it emerges as the largest arms customer for France, Russia, and Israel. This reflects India’s reliance on diverse sources for its defense needs, reflecting its geopolitical positioning and security concerns.

China’s Influence in Arms Trade
China plays a pivotal role as the primary arms supplier to Pakistan, with a substantial 61% of its exports directed towards Islamabad. However, China’s own arms imports have decreased by 44%, indicating its evolving role from an arms importer to a significant exporter in the global arms trade landscape.

China has played a pivotal role as the primary arms supplier to Pakistan, with a substantial 61% of its exports directed towards Islamabad. Additionally, China exports 11% of its arms to Bangladesh, further solidifying its influence in the region.

Interestingly, China’s own arms imports have decreased by 44%, largely due to its expanding defense-industrial base. This growth is fueled by investments in domestic production capabilities and a reliance on “reverse-engineering” technologies, particularly from Russia. This trend reflects China’s evolving role from an arms importer to a significant exporter in the global arms trade landscape.

This strategic shift in India’s defense procurement strategy reflects a broader realignment in its foreign policy and defense strategy in response to changing geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in the region.