Consider the following statements regarding global arms imports and exports during 2020-2024 :

1. Ukraine became the largest importer of major arms in the world during this period.

2. The largest share of Indian arms imports came from the United States of America.

3. China dropped out of the list of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94.

4. Russia was the world’s largest arms exporter during 2020-24.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 3.

In News

• According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine became the world's largest arms importer in 2020-24, with a nearly 100-fold increase in imports compared to 2015-19. India remained the second-largest arms importer, while China dropped out of the top 10 importers for the first time since 1990-94.

Key Points

• Ukraine's arms imports increased nearly 100 times between 2020-24 compared to 2015-19, making it the world’s largest importer of major arms.
  •  Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• Russia accounted for the largest share (36%) of Indian arms imports, not the United States. The share of Russian arms imports to India has declined from 55% (2015-19) to 36% (2020-24).
  •  Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• China dropped out of the list of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting the country’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
  •  Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• Russia's global arms exports fell by 64% during 2020-24, and it dropped to third place behind the United States and France. The United States became the world’s largest arms exporter (43%), followed by France (9.6%) and Russia (7.8%).
  •  Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• India remained Russia’s largest arms export destination (38%), followed by China (17%) and Kazakhstan (11%).
• India also received 28% of French arms exports, making it France’s top customer.
• Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 61%, with China supplying 81% of Pakistan’s weapons.
• France’s arms exports to Europe increased by 187% between 2015-19 and 2020-24.