Defence, National Security and Terrorism
India second-largest arms importer after Ukraine in 2020-24
- The data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer in 2020-24 due to the ongoing war,
- India ranked second, despite a 9.3% decline in imports from 2015-19.
- Russia remained India’s largest supplier, but its share dropped to 36% from 55% in 2015-19 and 72% in 2010-14.
- India also became the biggest arms importer from France (28%), almost twice the share that went to all European nations combined (15%).
- Globally, U.S. arms exports rose to 43%, while Russia’s fell by 64%, making it the third-largest exporter after France (9.6%).
Exercise Khanjar-XII
- 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar-XII
- It is a is a bilateral military exercise focusing on counter-terrorism and special forces training.
- Date & Location: 10-23 March 2025, Kyrgyzstan
- The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
