World's Largest Arms Importer: Ukraine Leaves India Behind; Check Pakistan's Rank

Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms during the 2020–24 period, with its imports rising nearly 100-fold compared to 2015–19. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, at least 35 countries supplied weapons to Ukraine, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The SIPRI report reveals that the United States is the largest arms supplier to Ukraine, accounting for 45 percent of the country's total arms imports.

India ranks second in the world with an 8.3 percent share of global arms imports. However, its imports have decreased by 9.3 percent between the periods 2015–19 and 2020–24. 

The largest portion of India's arms imports, 36 percent, came from Russia. This represents a significant decline compared to previous years, with Russia accounting for 55 percent in 2015–19 and 72 percent in 2010–14.

Qatar, with 6.8 percent, becomes the world’s third-largest arms importer in 2020–24.

Saudi Arabia, with 6.8 percent, also ranks third in global arms imports for the 2020–24 period.

Pakistan ranks fourth in global arms imports with 4.6 percent. China became a more dominant supplier, accounting for 81 percent of Pakistan’s arms imports in 2020–24, up from 74 percent in 2015–19. (Images: Freepik)