| World’s largest Arms Importer • India continues to hold the title of the world’s largest arms importer as per recent data of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, despite ongoing efforts to bolster its defense-industrial base. • Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports, reflecting a strategic vulnerability in its defence procurement. |
- The Ministry of Defence signed a repeat order for SIG 716 rifles from Sig Sauer, U.S., in June 2024.
- Earlier in 2019, the Army procured SIG 716 rifles under a fast-track contract and provided them to frontline troops in counter-insurgency operations.
- The SIG 716 rifle, weighing 3.82 kg with an effective range of 600 meters, has proven to be more capable and reliable than the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles.
- Positive feedback from soldiers led to this follow-on order.
- The procurement is part of the Army’s long-standing efforts of modernisation.
Dig Deeper: Read about the SIPRI and top US Defence imports in India.
