India remains world's 2nd-biggest arms importer, SIPRI report shows
Even after a 9% drop in arms imports, India holds onto its spot as the world's second-biggest buyer of military gear, just behind Ukraine, according to SIPRI.
This dip is partly due to India increasing domestic weapons production, even as ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan continue to drive demand for military hardware.
Russia remains top supplier but France is closing in
Russia remains India's top supplier but now covers just 36% of imports (down from 55%), while France has stepped up as a strong second, sending Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines.
More deals with France are in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, Pakistan boosts imports by 61%
While Pakistan boosted its arms imports by 61%, mainly relying on China for over 80% of its gear, India is doubling down on making its own defense tech.
The government has banned certain imports, raised foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to attract investment, and bumped up the defense budget for local purchases.