Which five countries are the top arms importers according to SIPRI in 2020-24?

The Correct Answer is Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan.

In News

• According to the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms in the period 2020–24.

Key Points

• Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms between 2020–24 (according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute - SIPRI).
• The top five arms importers are Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, accounting for 35% of global arms imports.
• The top five arms exporters are USA, France, Russia, China, and Germany, contributing 72% of global arms exports.
• USA increased its share of global arms exports to 43%, while Russia’s arms exports declined by 64%.
• China’s share of global arms exports was 5.9% in 2020–24, slightly declining from 2015–19.
• India was the second-largest arms importer in 2020–24, with a 9.3% decrease in imports compared to 2015–19.
• The largest share of India's arms imports (36%) came from Russia, significantly reduced from 55% in 2015–19 and 72% in 2010–14.
• India contracted major military deals with France, including 36 Rafale jets and six Scorpene-class submarines.
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI): An independent research institute based in Stockholm, Sweden, established in 1966, focused on conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.