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In recent months, the US and France have significantly increased their global arms sales, while Russia, once a close competitor to the US, has seen a decline. The comprehensive anti-Russian sanctions led by the US and its allies have severely impacted Moscow’s ability to conduct business as usual, especially affecting its once-thriving arms export sector.

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has ramped up its domestic production of heavy weaponry as signs of shortages surfaced earlier. This shift prioritized national defence over international sales, with exports taking a back seat.

The sale of American-manufactured arms worldwide surged from 33% in 2013 to 40% in 2022, while Russia’s share declined from 22% to 16% during the same period. Before the Ukraine conflict, Russia was second only to the US in arms exports, with France trailing behind in third place.

Presently, Russia barely maintains its runner-up status, with France closing the gap. Despite Western sanctions, India, and China, both part of the BRICS group, remain loyal buyers of Russian-made weapons, although there has been a concerning 30% decline in Indian orders post-sanctions.

India’s future arms purchases are anticipated to heavily involve US-made weaponry, indicating a potential shift in its international alliances. This move, with the US strengthening ties with India strategically in defense, marks a significant development, unlike the historical stance with Pakistan.

Surprisingly, the US plans to empower India to produce cutting-edge jet fighters, drones, and utilize the latest semiconductor/cyber technology, alongside shifting some ship repair operations and initiating local high-quality weaponry production.

The absence of opposition protest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second tenure, compared to past political uproar over similar decisions, suggests a notable shift in India’s approach to international partnerships and arms trade.

These developments signal a shift in global arms dynamics, with alliances and trade relationships evolving amidst geopolitical changes.