India's Big Push from Arms Importer to Exporter

摘要

In late September 2022, Indian local press reported that the country secured a contract worth USD 250 million for arms . and ammunition, including four batteries of the PINAKA 214 mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system, from Armenia, currently engaged in a stand-off with its neighbour Azerbaijan. Under current plans, India is due to commence deliveries of the PINAKA MRL to Armenia in the coming months. The deal is a key step forward for Indian arms exports, which are gradually inching closer towards their target of an arms export portfolio worth USD 5 billion per year by 2025, and therefore, to entry into an exclusive club of major arms exporters. Attaining this goal would also realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'New India' that not only caters to its own needs, but is also capable of fulfilling international requirements.