From 2020 to 2024, India became the second largest arms importer in the world after Ukraine. India accounted for 8.3 percent of total global arms imports during this period.
Most of India’s weapons continue to come from Russia, which remains its largest defence supplier. However, in recent years, India has been steadily diversifying its sources by increasing purchases from France, the United States, and Israel.
This shift reflects India’s effort to reduce dependency on a single country and modernize its military with advanced technology.
Pakistan increases arms imports significantly
Pakistan’s arms imports rose by 61 percent from the 2015–2019 period to 2020–2024. The country has been focusing on acquiring modern combat aircraft, warships, and other defence systems to strengthen its military capabilities.
On the global scale, Pakistan is now the fifth largest arms importer, holding a 4.6 percent share of total global arms imports.
Pakistan’s primary arms supplier is China, which has supported its defence infrastructure through various deals and joint projects.
Global implications of rising arms imports
The growing weapons imports by both India and Pakistan reflect the increasing militarization in South Asia, which has implications for regional stability. With both countries investing in advanced military technology, the arms race continues to evolve.
