What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

The examiner may swap the rankings and percentages between exporters and importers (e.g., ask 'Which country is the largest arms importer?' while providing the largest exporter's name as an option). They may also confuse the direction of change for countries like India (its import share decreased by 4%) and Pakistan (its import share increased by 66%).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Global arms transfer growth rate (9.2%) and time period (2021-25). 2. Target this Data: Top arms exporter (USA, 42% share) and top importer (Ukraine, 9.7% share). 3. Target this Nodal Body: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). 4. Target this Data: India's rank (2nd), import share (8.2%), and top supplier (Russia, 40%). 5. Target this Data: Russia's export share decline (-64%) and Pakistan's import share increase (+66%).

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Global Arms Transfers Rise 9.2% (2021-25); US Share 42%, India 2nd Largest Importer (8.2%), Russia's Share Falls 64%

Q: The SIPRI report on arms transfers is published by an institute based in which country?

Sweden, The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which publishes the Trends in International Arms Transfers report, is based in Stockholm, Sweden. It is an independent international institute focused on research into conflict, armaments, and disarmament.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the SIPRI Trends in International Arms Transfers report for 2021-2025: 1. Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% compared to the previous five-year period. 2. The United States accounted for 42% of global arms exports, while Russia's share fell by 64%. 3. India was the largest arms importer globally, with its share increasing by 4%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2, Statement 1 is correct as the report states global arms transfers increased by 9.2%. Statement 2 is correct: the US share was 42% and Russia's share fell by 64%. Statement 3 is incorrect; India was the second-largest importer (8.2% share), and its share actually declined by 4%.

Q: According to the SIPRI report (2021-25), what percentage of global arms imports did Ukraine account for?

9.7%, The article states Ukraine was the world's largest major arms recipient in 2021-25, accounting for 9.7% of total global arms imports. Option A (8.2%) is India's share, C (6.8%) is Saudi Arabia's share, and D (4.2%) is Pakistan's share.

Q: What does the decline in India's share of global arms imports, as noted in the SIPRI report, primarily indicate?

Increasing self-reliance and domestic production of weapons., The article explicitly states that the decline in India's import share "was partly due to India’s increasing self-reliance and domestic production of its own weapons." This aligns with the objectives of the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector.

Intl. Relations Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains Medium

22 Mar 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:9.2%42%8.2%-64%9.7%+66%

Bodies:SIPRI

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.SIPRI report shows global arms transfers increased by 9.2% in 2021-25 compared to 2016-20.

2.US, France, Russia, Germany, and China are top five exporters, accounting for 70% of global exports.

3.India is the second-largest arms importer (8.2% share), with Russia (40%), France (29%), and Israel (15%) as top suppliers.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% between 2021-2025, the largest rise since 2011-15. The US remains the top exporter (42% share), while Russia's share fell 64%. India is the world's second-largest arms importer (8.2% share), but its reliance is decreasing due to domestic production.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Global Arms Transfer Growth (2021-25 vs 2016-20)9.2%

Largest Arms Exporter (Share 2021-25)USA (42%)

Largest Arms Importer (Share 2021-25)Ukraine (9.7%)

India's Rank in Arms Imports (2021-25)2nd

India's Import Share (2021-25)8.2%

Russia's Export Share Decline (2021-25 vs 2016-20)-64%

Report PublisherSIPRI

Report NameTrends in International Arms Transfers

1-Minute Revision

›Global Arms Transfer Growth (2021-25 vs 2016-20): 9.2%
›Largest Arms Exporter (Share 2021-25): USA (42%)
›Target this Data: Global arms transfer growth rate (9.2%) and time period (2021-25).
›Target this Data: Top arms exporter (USA, 42% share) and top importer (Ukraine, 9.7% share).
›Target this Nodal Body: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
›Target this Data: India's rank (2nd), import share (8.2%), and top supplier (Russia, 40%).

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News Snapshot

🌍

Global Arms Trade Surge

Global arms transfers rose 9.2% in 2021-25, the largest increase since 2011-15.

🇺🇸

US Dominance Grows

The US increased its share of global arms exports from 36% to 42%, reinforcing its position as top supplier.

🇮🇳

India's Strategic Shift

India remains the 2nd largest arms importer, but its share declined 4% as domestic production increases.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) publishes annual reports on global arms transfers, a key indicator of geopolitical alignments and military preparedness. The 2021-25 period saw heightened global tensions due to conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and strategic competition in Asia, driving demand for military hardware.

Core Analysis & Implications

The US's expanding share to 42% solidifies its role as the primary security guarantor for its allies. Russia's sharp 64% decline reflects its isolation post-Ukraine invasion and sanctions. India's diversified supplier base (Russia 40%, France 29%, Israel 15%) shows a multi-alignment strategy, while the declining import share signals progress in 'Make in India' defense goals. Pakistan's rise to 5th largest importer (+66% share) with 80% reliance on China highlights a deepening strategic nexus.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The trend suggests continued US dominance and a shrinking Russian defense industry. For India, the focus will be on achieving self-reliance goals under the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020. Geopolitical realignments will be reflected in future supplier-recipient patterns, especially concerning China's growing exports and Europe's rearmament.

Key Facts at a Glance

Global Arms Transfer Growth (2021-25 vs 2016-20)9.2%

Largest Arms Exporter (Share 2021-25)USA (42%)

Largest Arms Importer (Share 2021-25)Ukraine (9.7%)

India's Rank in Arms Imports (2021-25)2nd

India's Import Share (2021-25)8.2%

Russia's Export Share Decline (2021-25 vs 2016-20)-64%

Report PublisherSIPRI

Report NameTrends in International Arms Transfers

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC

The SIPRI report on arms transfers is published by an institute based in which country?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC

Consider the following statements regarding the SIPRI Trends in International Arms Transfers report for 2021-2025:

1. Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% compared to the previous five-year period.

2. The United States accounted for 42% of global arms exports, while Russia's share fell by 64%.

3. India was the largest arms importer globally, with its share increasing by 4%.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC

According to the SIPRI report (2021-25), what percentage of global arms imports did Ukraine account for?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC

What does the decline in India's share of global arms imports, as noted in the SIPRI report, primarily indicate?

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Global Arms Transfers Rise 9.2% (2021-25); US Share 42%, India 2nd Largest Importer (8.2%), Russia's Share Falls 64%

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Global Arms Trade Surge

US Dominance Grows

India's Strategic Shift

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance