17 May 2012

India: India as Top Importer of Weapons

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Authoritative information regarding import of weapons by China is not available. However, as per report published in March 2012 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the largest importer of arms during 2007-11 and accounted for 10% of the global arms imports as compared to China's share of5%. 

Procurement of arms and equipment for the Armed Forces is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational challenges and available resources. The process is based on a 15 year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), five year Services Capital Acquisition Plan (SCAP) and Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP). Shortage of any weapons, is adequately addressed through indigenous production and import. 

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri T.M. Selvaganapathi in Rajya Sabha today.