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Global Trends in Arms Race- 2011
July 29, 2011
According to SIPRI report of 2011 the volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons in 2006–10 was 24 per cent higher than in 2001–2005, continuing the upward trend. Largest arms exporters were United States and Russia, accounting for 53 per cent of the volume of exports. Asian Countries were their largest recipients.
The major recipient region in 2006–10 was Asia and Oceania (accounting for 43 per cent of imports of major conventional weapons), followed by Europe (21 per cent) and the Middle East (17 per cent). India was the largest recipient of major conventional weapons in 2006–10, pushing China into second place. South Korea (6 per cent), Pakistan (5 per cent) and Greece (4 per cent) were the other largest recipients.
Although India and Pakistan have both imported large quantities of weapons to counter external security threats, internal security challenges are currently the most pressing issue for Pakistan and also a source of much concern in India. India is the target of intense supplier competition for billion-dollar deals, in particular for combat aircraft and submarines. Pakistan relies on US military aid and Chinese soft loans for most of its acquisitions. Both countries are likely to remain major recipients in the coming years.
Both these countries have spent billions of dollars on arms acquisitions to maintain balance in the region. Pakistan cannot compete with India in arms race, Indian economy support its arms acquisition and modernization plan. Pakistan with meager resources has to rely heavily on its indigenous defence industry. Pakistan’s indigenous defence industry is much better than of India. India is heavily dependent on foreign imports, its main battle tanks and aircrafts are mostly Russian origin, it is relied on Russia for their maintenance and supply of spare parts, whereas Pakistan manufactures its Main Battle Tanks and Aircraft. It is imperative for both countries to avoid arms race in the region, and spend that money for the rehabilitation and development of the people of Pakistan and India because almost millions of Indian and Pakistanis are living below the poverty line.
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