India’s Weapons Import Surges by 38%

During 2007-2011 India imported arms worth US$9.3 billion, growing 38% compared with 2002-2006. This according to a report published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Indian Defense Minister A K Antony confirmed the report in a written letter to the Indian Parliament, saying that the modernization of the Indian Armed Forces incurred a capital expenditure of INR 49,205 Cr (USD 9.3 billion). According to SIPRI, India accounts for 10% of the global arms import compared with China’s 5 %. In 2011, India began inducting 139 Mi-17 helicopters in batches from Russia. Among the most notable deliveries include the 120 Su-30MKs and 16 MiG-29ks from Russia, 20 Jaguar aircraft from the UK. And just last month inducted the Russian made Nepra Submarine into its Navy. In a multi-billion dollar major acquisition program, India plans to induct more than 1,000 helicopters for attack, transport and utility operations by the end of this decade for all three forces. India’s weapons industry will see a further boost, as the government budget for 2012-13 is set to increase up to 17 % for defense.