Context: Military expenditure database was recently published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which tracks military expenditure and arms trade globally.
Key highlights

• India was the third largest military spender in the world in 2020, behind only the US and China.
• India’s military expenditure was $72.9 billion, while US spent a total of $778 billion in 2020 and China spent $252 billion.

The US accounted for 39 per cent of the money spent on military globally, China accounted for 13 per cent, and India accounted for 3.7 per cent of the globe’s share.

• Russia’s military expenditure increased by 2.5 per cent in 2020 to reach $61.7 billion, second consecutive year of growth.
• Russia’s actual military spending in 2020 was 6.6 per cent lower than its initial military budget, a larger shortfall than in previous years.

With a total of $59.2 billion, the UK became the fifth largest spender in 2020.

• The UK’s military spending was 2.9 per cent higher than in 2019, but 4.2 per cent lower than in 2011.
• Germany increased its spending by 5.2 per cent to $52.8 billion, making it the seventh largest spender in 2020.
• Germany’s military expenditure was 28 per cent higher than in 2011. Military spending across Europe rose by 4.0 per cent in 2020.

In addition to China, India ($72.9 billion), Japan ($49.1 billion), South Korea ($45.7 billion) and Australia ($27.5 billion) were the largest military spenders in the Asia and Oceania region.

• All four countries increased their military spending between 2019 and 2020 and over the decade 2011–20.
• Military expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 3.4 per cent in 2020 to reach $18.5 billion.
• The biggest increases in spending were made by Chad (+31 per cent), Mali (+22 per cent), Mauritania (+23 per cent) and Nigeria (+29 per cent), all in the Sahel region, as well as Uganda (+46 per cent).

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

• SIPRI was established in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1966.
• It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
• Vision: A world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained.

Objectives

• Undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace.
• Provide policy analysis and recommendations.
• Facilitate dialogue and build capacities.
• Promote transparency and accountability.
• Deliver authoritative information to global audiences.
• The SIPRI Yearbook is known worldwide as an authoritative and independent source for politicians, diplomats, journalists, scholars, students and citizens on armaments, disarmament and international security.