Context:
According to a new report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfer 2023′, India continues to be top among world’s arms importer.
Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023 Report:
- Published by – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
- Period of study – 2019-2023
- Exports –
- Largest exporters – United States, France, Russia, China and Germany
- France – 2nd biggest arms exporter after the USA (For the 1st time)
- USA and Western Europe – Accounted for 72% of all arms exports in 2019-2023
- Imports –
- Largest importers – India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine and Pakistan
- States in Asia and Oceania – Accounted for 37% of all arms imports
- US –Largest supplier to Asia and Oceania (For the 1st time in 25 years)
- China – Provides 82% of arms imports
- India – Imports increased by 4.7% between 2014–2018 and 2019–2023
- Russia – India’s main-arms-supplier – Accounting for 36 % of its arms imports
- India & France –
- India – Largest single recipient of French arms exports – Accounting for nearly 30%
- 36 Rafale fighter jets – The Indian Air Force operates in accordance to its needs
- India is in talks for 26 Rafale Marine jets to be procured for the Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from France
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute:
- An independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament
- Established in – 1966, in Stockholm, Sweden
- Aim – Provide data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public
- Ranked among the most respected think tanks worldwide
- Vision – A world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained
- Mission – To undertake research, activities on security, conflict and peace and provide recommendations to facilitate dialogue and build capacities
Previous Year Question
With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers, and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.4. India suffers from an overall trade/current deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
Export of iron and steel products witnessed a sharp rise of more than 100% in June 2020.
