India tops global arms importers list - think tank

STOCKHOLM. March 14. KAZINFORM India occupies the first place on the list of the world's largest importers of weaponry in the past five years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said. Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

According to new data on international arms transfers published by SIPRI on Monday, "India received 9% of all international arms transfers during 2006-10, with Russian deliveries accounting for 82% of Indian arms imports."

SIPRI experts believe that Indian arms imports are driven by a variety of factors, including traditional rivalry with China and Pakistan, as well as internal security challenges.

"In general, the four largest importers of conventional weapons in 2006-10 are located in Asia:India (9% of all imports), China (6%), South Korea (6%) and Pakistan (5%)," SIPRI said. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version