More than oil though, it is the disruptions in LPG imports from West Asia that are having an immediate impact. (AI image)

Oil, LPG, and LNG – the backbone of a growing Indian economy – have seen their supplies being hit due to the Middle East tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a key maritime route. While the Donald Trump administration has claimed that the war with Iran may soon come to an end, energy and oil supplies have become an important flashpoint in the tensions. Brent crude prices rose to $120 on Monday, before falling to below $90 mark on Tuesday.From India’s standpoint, energy supplies have been affected by the conflict in West Asia. India imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil, while more than 60 per cent of LPG demand and over half of its liquefied natural gas requirements are met through imports, most of which originate from the Gulf region.

India, which is the world’s third-largest importer and consumer of oil, maintains underground strategic petroleum reserves with a capacity of 5.33 million tonnes. However, these reserves are currently filled to about 80 per cent.More than oil though, it is the disruptions in LPG imports from West Asia that are having an immediate impact. While domestic LPG supplies remain adequate, there are currently “restrictions” on the distribution of commercial cylinders.What is India’s energy situation amidst the UR-Israel-Iran war? We take a look:

India has stepped up Russian crude oil procurement to make up for the consignments stuck in the Middle East. While the US has claimed granting a 30-day waiver to India for purchasing Russian crude, officials have said that India has never required approval from any country to procure Russian oil. Russia remained the country’s largest supplier of crude in February. India has broadened its crude supply base as part of its energy diplomacy, increasing the number of supplier countries from 27 to 40 across six continents. As a result, the country’s energy security is no longer dependent on a single maritime chokepoint such as the Strait of Hormuz. India currently holds more than 250 million barrels, or nearly 4,000 crore litres, of crude oil and refined petroleum products. These reserves provide a buffer equivalent to about seven to eight weeks of supply across the energy system.2. Petrol, Diesel prices not expected to riseEven though Brent crude prices climbed to their highest level since mid-2022 on Monday, government officials have indicated that there are no immediate plans to raise retail fuel prices in India. “We are nicely placed vis-a-vis crude. There is unlikely to be a rise in petrol and diesel prices in the foreseeable future, even if prices remain at $110-120 a barrel,” said a senior government official.3. India refuses IEA call on strategic reservesIndia will not take part in the International Energy Agency’s initiative to release strategic oil reserves aimed at easing global crude prices, according to senior government sources.“The crisis (that led to a rise in prices) is not our creation. Those responsible have to deal with it and create situations to ease (prices),” a government source told PTI, making it clear that India will not draw from its reserves. Officials noted that India’s strategic reserves are meant to be used only in the event of disruptions in supply.“Ours is an India first policy,” the source added.4. Emergency measuresIndia has activated emergency steps to redirect natural gas supplies from lower-priority users to critical sectors following disruptions in liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a government notification.In response to disruptions in imported gas supplies stemming from the escalating conflict in West Asia, the government has revised the priority framework for allocating domestically produced natural gas. The updated policy places LPG production at the highest priority level, alongside compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped cooking gas.According to a gazette notification, the gas requirements of these sectors will be met in full before supplies are allocated to other users.The fertiliser sector has been assigned the second level of priority, with at least 70 per cent of its average demand over the past six months to be fulfilled.Gas supplies to tea plantations, manufacturing units and other industrial consumers have been placed in the third category. These sectors will receive up to 80 per cent of their average gas consumption over the previous six months, depending on operational availability, the notification said.5. LPG production to be stepped upThe government has directed oil refiners to step up the production of cooking gas for domestic consumers. The country currently has more than 33.1 crore LPG users.In a directive issued on Monday, the government instructed oil refiners, including petrochemical complexes, to maximise the production of C3 and C4 streams such as propane, butane, propylene and butenes that are produced, recovered, fractionated or otherwise available with them. These streams are to be channelled into the LPG pool for supply to state-run companies Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum. The LPG produced under this arrangement will be distributed exclusively to domestic consumers.6. LPG refill minimum waiting goes upOil marketing companies have extended the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. The move aimed at preventing hoarding and avoiding an artificial shortage of cooking gas cylinders.The change follows an earlier revision made just last week, when the minimum booking interval was increased to 21 days from the previous 15 days.While emphasising that oil companies maintain sufficient stocks, government officials have noted that the longer booking interval is intended to discourage panic-driven bookings by consumers.Officials said that a typical household consumes around six to seven domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg in a year and usually requires a refill only after about 50 to 55 days. 7. India eyes alternate supply sources for LPGIndia is seeking alternative LPG supplies from countries such as the United States, Algeria, Norway and Canada. Officials have said that India has secured LPG supply agreements with several countries, but deliveries are taking longer due to extended transit distances and disruptions to shipping routes. Shipments are currently underway and are expected to improve supply availability for consumers in the coming days. They said the government is closely monitoring the evolving global energy situation and is taking steps to ensure stability in supply chains.8. Government prioritises LPG for essential sectorsThe petroleum ministry has also said that imported LPG supplies meant for non-domestic use are being prioritised for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. For other non-domestic users, including restaurants, hotels and various industries, a committee has been set up to review requests and determine allocation, the ministry said.9. Commercial LPG shortages hit eateries and industriesDisruptions in global oil and gas supplies have created difficulties for non-domestic LPG consumers such as restaurants and industrial units. With the government prioritising supply for household users, the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders has slowed, leaving hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries facing an uncertain situation.In Bengaluru, small and medium-sized eateries could be forced to shut operations by Tuesday as they are likely to run out of cooking gas, according to the Bangalore Hotels’ Association. The group said that only about 10 per cent of hotels and restaurants in the city received LPG deliveries on Monday. P C Rao, honorary president of the association, warned that the situation could disrupt food services across the city.A similar situation is unfolding in Mumbai, where the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been halted since Sunday.10. Inflation hit for India?Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha that the recent increase in crude oil prices is not expected to cause a sharp spike in inflation. Referring to the Monetary Policy Committee’s report released in October, she noted that a 10 per cent rise in crude oil prices typically leads to an increase of about 30 basis points in inflation, with 100 basis points equal to one percentage point.

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a fiery showdown between the opposition and the treasury benches as the House took up the resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla.BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, granted permission for a 10-hour debate after Congress MP Mohammad Jawed read out the notice. The resolution was seconded by more than 50 MPs.

However, opposition MPs raised objections over Pal chairing the House and said that the government had not appointed the Deputy Speaker for the last several years, creating a constitutional vacuum.Questioning Jagdambika Pal’s authority, Congress MP KC Venugopal said, “You were appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.” He added that the House should elect a person who will preside over the proceedings during the resolution debate.The treasury benches countered the claims and cited constitutional provisions, law and House rules. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said that the opposition’s claim was irrelevant as Pal was competent to preside over the Lok Sabha when the resolution was taken up.Rijiju said that a member of the panel of chairpersons can preside over the Lok Sabha when a resolution to remove the Speaker is being considered.“Jagdambika Pal, a member of the panel of chairpersons, can preside over the Lok Sabha when a resolution for the Speaker’s removal is taken up,” Rijiju said.‘Kiren Rijiju was the parliamentary affairs minister who interrupted the Opposition the most’In response, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that “in future, when there will be research on parliamentary records, statistics will tell that Kiren Rijiju was the parliamentary affairs minister who interrupted the Opposition the most.”Union home minister Amit Shah also intervened and said, “I agree with you, Kiren Rijiju, as Parliamentary Affairs Minister, has interrupted the most. But we have also never seen such an irresponsible Opposition.”Gogoi reiterated his earlier point that the reason a chairperson from the panel selected by the Speaker presides during such debates is precisely because of the Speaker’s authority.He argued that allowing a panel member appointed by the Speaker to preside during the debate on a motion against the Speaker amounted to a “violation of the Constitution”.A total of 118 oposition MPs have signed the motion, alleging “partisan” behaviour by the Speaker after the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was allegedly not allowed to speak in the House. Congress MP Jawed, reading the resolution, also mentioned that the Speaker falsely alleged that Opposition women MPs were planning a physical attack on the Prime Minister.According to sources, Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju will initiate the discussion on the resolution. BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Nishikant Dubey, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Bhartruhari Mahtab will deliver remarks on the matter. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan will also address the House during the discussion.Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Manish Tewari, Deepender Singh Hooda and Jothimani will present their arguments in the Lok Sabha in favour of the resolution seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

A realtor from Bengaluru Rural was kidnapped and murdered, his body discovered in Tamil Nadu

BENGALURU: A realtor from Anekal in Bengaluru Rural district was allegedly kidnapped Sunday evening and later murdered, with his body found dumped near Denkanikottai in Tamil Nadu Monday morning.The victim, identified as Gopal, was travelling in his car with his friend Satish when a gang of car-borne miscreants intercepted them near Karpur on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border between 6.30pm and 7pm. According to police, the assailants rammed their vehicle into Gopal’s car, forcing it to stop.The gang then allegedly sprayed a chemical on Satish. As he struggled to see and ran for cover, the attackers dragged Gopal out of the car, bundled him into their vehicle and sped away.Satish alerted police, prompting a search operation. Officers were informed that the kidnappers had driven towards Tamil Nadu through the Denkanikottai route.Seven special teams were formed to trace the victim and track down the offenders. Police initially suspected that the kidnappers might have moved towards Shivamogga or Mangaluru, and two teams were sent to those regions while others combed areas on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Monday morning, Denkanikottai police informed their Anekal counterparts about a body found by the roadside in their jurisdiction. The description matched that of the missing realtor, and officers later confirmed the identity.Police suspect the kidnappers transported him in a car and later murdered him using sharp weapons. Investigators suspect the involvement of Gopal’s former associate, Mohan Babu. According to police sources, the two had previously worked together but fell out several years ago following financial disputes.Sources said Mohan allegedly harboured resentment after Gopal started his own real estate business and began earning significantly more.Gopal’s wife, Swati, alleged that Mohan had assaulted her husband in the past. “Two years ago, Mohan Babu took my husband to his farmhouse and assaulted him. They are relatives and used to work together earlier. Their business dispute led to this incident. I suspect Mohan is behind the kidnapping,” she said.Efforts are on to trace Mohan and other suspects.

US President Donald Trump has warned Cuba of a potential “not friendly takeover” of its government, contingent on a deal with the United States. He highlighted the island’s severe economic and humanitarian crisis, stating it’s “running on fumes” due to dwindling resources and the loss of Venezuelan support. Discussions are reportedly underway to avert conflict

US President Donald Trump said Monday (local time) that Cuba could face a “friendly takeover” of its communist government, but warned that it could also happen in a less friendly way if the island did not make a deal with the United States.Speaking at a news conference that largely focused on the ongoing US military campaign against Iran, Trump said, “It may be a friendly takeover, it may not be a friendly takeover.” Trump said Cuba’s leadership was under pressure because the country was facing a serious economic and humanitarian crisis.“They’re really, they’re down to, as I say, fumes. They have no energy. They have no money. They’re in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis,” Trump said.Trump further argued that Cuba had depended for years on support from Venezuela. That support, he said, has weakened after the United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this year on charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism.“Venezuela sends them no energy, no fuel, no oil, no money, no nothing. Without Venezuela, they couldn’t have made it,” Trump said, adding that the United States had also increased economic pressure on the island. “We cut them off from everything else. So yeah, they’re going to make either a deal or we’ll do it just as easy anyway,” he said.According to Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was handling discussions with Cuba’s leadership in an effort to avoid military confrontation.Reports suggest that talks may involve areas such as ports, energy and tourism. Discussions have also included possible arrangements for Cuban President Miguel Diaz‑Canel and members of the Castro family if political changes took place in the country.After the news conference, Trump visited a Venezuelan restaurant in the area where he met an elderly man who said he hoped to travel to a free Cuba with him. Trump replied that they would go to Cuba together.Relations between the United States and Cuba have remained tense since Fidel Castro overthrew a US-backed government in 1959 and established a communist regime. Some efforts were made to improve ties, especially during the presidency of Barack Obama, when diplomatic relations were partly restored. However, many of those steps were later rolled back under Donald Trump. Soon after beginning his second term, Trump reinstated Cuba on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Yash Dhull (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: Life felt incredibly difficult and frustrating for Yash Dhull as he spent months confined to the four corners of a room. The 2022 Under-19 World Cup-winning captain was bedridden after undergoing heart surgery, slowly recovering while battling the constant urge to return to the middle and resume playing cricket.Dhull was diagnosed with a hole in his heart after his family urged him to consult a doctor. He had been experiencing symptoms for some time — shortness of breath, constant fatigue, lack of energy and sudden weight loss. As the symptoms worsened, medical tests confirmed the condition, forcing the young cricketer to step away from the game and focus on treatment and recovery.

“Many times it happened that after playing a full match, like a national match, I would feel extremely tired and it felt like my fitness was gradually going down. Later, when I was in a camp, the issue was detected there. I got tests done again and that’s when we found out exactly what it was. Even the doctors were a little surprised — they asked how I was still playing. I hadn’t realised it earlier, but once it was detected, it meant there was an option to fix it,” Yash Dhull told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“At that time the timeline wasn’t clear because there was no option except surgery. My mindset was clear, and my family also believed that getting it done at the right time was the better option because the problem could have become bigger later. For me, health is everything. My thinking was simple — if I become fit, everything else will slowly come back. It takes time, but things gradually fall into place. When you are not mentally or physically fit and have issues, you cannot move forward properly. So my focus was to finish this issue first and then see how things move ahead,” he said.After the heart surgery, Dhull was bedridden for several days. As per the doctors’ advice, he was told not to travel or play cricket for a while.But the determined youngster had just one question for the doctors — and he asked it almost every day: “Main kab se cricket khel sakta hoon?” (When can I start playing cricket again?)

“That time was tough. I was itching to get back in the middle. When I started running again, it just wasn’t happening. Even completing one round was very difficult. Slowly, things began to improve. I even tried to play in the DPL in the first year, but it wasn’t possible because my heart rate and BP were going very high. It was very risky as my BP could suddenly shoot up, so I had to back off. Then I started preparing for the season and praying for recovery. Things improve gradually. If you rush them, they don’t work. When you take it step by step, it takes time, but eventually things come back,” Yash Dhull, who led India to the 2022 Under-19 World Cup title after beating England in the final, said.DHULL’S NEXT TARGET: SENIOR WORLD CUPDhull is among the few captains who have led India to the Under-19 World Cup title.India have won the Under-19 ODI World Cup a record six times — in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022 and 2026. The title-winning captains include Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), Prithvi Shaw (2018), Dhull (2022) and Ayush Mhatre (2026).

For Dhull, however, the Under-19 World Cup is not just a memory. His next target is clear — representing India at the senior World Cup.“I talk to players like Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Axar Patel. I’m very close to them and you learn a lot just by being around them. You observe what they do and how they go about their work, and that helps a lot. They’ve always told me to prepare in such a way that when an opportunity comes, you don’t miss it,” he said.Due to health issues and the surgery, Dhull — who played for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League from 2022 to 2024 — went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction.“Yes, you do feel a little disappointed, but at the same time you cannot get stuck in that feeling. You have to get back to your work. If you stay stuck on one thing, you won’t be able to focus on the opportunities ahead. Right now, I’m waiting to see what opportunities come my way. Whatever comes, I’m preparing for it and I’m ready. Anything can happen in life at any time — things can change anytime — so I’m preparing for that,” Dhull said.“The dream is to play a senior World Cup. I am confident that I will play one day. Every cricketer dreams of representing India at a World Cup,” he said.

Albert Einstein’s letter to Marie Curie

History often only remembers great scientists for what they found. But sometimes, when they are alone together, they show a very different side of the scientific world. One of these stories is about two of the most famous scientists of the 20th century: Albert Einstein and Marie Curie. In 1911, Curie was at the centre of a major public controversy in France. At the same time, she was also preparing to receive her second Nobel Prize. Amid intense criticism and media attention, Einstein wrote her a personal letter. According to academic biographies, the message was not about physics or scientific theory. Instead, it was a note of support and admiration. The letter has since become an interesting part of scientific history because it shows how one scientist defended another at a hard time. The story behind this letter shows how scientists sometimes had to deal with stress outside of the lab and how respect for each other helped them make friends that lasted.

When Marie Curie was facing public controversy

Marie Curie was already one of the most respected scientists in the world by 1911. She and her husband Pierre Curie, as well as physicist Henri Becquerel, won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for their work on radioactivity. However, academic biographies say that Curie was heavily criticised in public life despite her scientific success. French newspapers started to write about her relationship with physicist Paul Langevin that year. Langevin was married but not living with his wife, and the affair quickly became a big story in the news.When newspapers got hold of private letters between Curie and Langevin, things got even worse. People talked more about her personal life than about her scientific work. At the same time, Curie had just lost a close vote to join the French Academy of Sciences, which had never let a woman in before.

Albert Einstein’s unexpected letter of support to Marie Curie

In November 1911, Albert Einstein wrote a private letter to Marie Curie during this hard time. At the time, Einstein had just met Curie at a scientific meeting in Brussels and thought very highly of her work and character.Einstein began the letter by expressing admiration for Curie’s intellect, determination, and honesty. He wrote that he felt fortunate to have met her personally.He also strongly criticised the way the public and media were treating her. In the letter, Einstein described the sensational coverage as unfair and advised Curie not to pay attention to it. According to the letter’s translation, he suggested that if the public continued to spread rumours, she should simply ignore them rather than read them.The letter was both supportive and direct. It showed that Einstein thought that public gossip shouldn’t take away from Curie’s scientific work.

Here’s the letter:

“Prague, 23 November 1911Esteemed Mrs. Curie,Don’t laugh at me for writing to you without having anything sensible to say. But I’m so furious at the vile [niederträchige] way in which the rabble [Pöbel] at present dares to treat you that I absolutely must give vent to this feeling. I am, however, convinced that you despise this rabble, equally when it’s feigning adoration or when it’s using you to slake its thirst for the sensational! I must tell you how much I’ve come to admire your spirit [Geist], your creativity, and your honesty. I consider myself lucky to have made your personal acquaintance in Brussels. Anyone other than those reptiles is certainly happy, now as before, that we have eminent people like you, and also Langevin, among us—real people [wirkliche Menschen] with whom one feels privileged to be in contact. If the rabble continues to occupy itself with you, then simply don’t read that swill. Rather leave it to the reptile for whom it’s been fabricated.With most friendly regards to you, Langevin, and [Jean] Perrin,Yours very truly,A. EinsteinP.S. I’ve determined the statistical law of [rotational] motion for a diatomic molecule in Planck’s radiation field by means of a merry joke [lustigen Witz], of course on the assumption that the structure’s motion obeys the laws of ordinary mechanics. But I have little hope that this law is valid in reality.”

The scientific meeting that started their friendship

Einstein and Curie first interacted closely during the 1911 Solvay Conference in Brussels. This event brought together many of the leading scientists of the time to discuss new ideas in physics.The conference included figures who later shaped modern physics, including Einstein, Curie, and other pioneers studying radiation, atomic structure, and energy.Although they had just met, Einstein quickly developed a deep respect for Curie’s work and personality. As per academic biographies, historians of science believe that the letter he wrote during the scandal helped strengthen a long-lasting friendship between the two scientists.Their professional relationship continued for many years afterwards.

Marie Curie’s second Nobel Prize during the controversy

The controversy surrounding Curie’s personal life happened at the same time she was about to receive another major scientific honour.In 1911, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on the discovery of the elements polonium and radium and for her research on radioactivity.Some people even said she shouldn’t go to the Nobel Prize ceremony because of the public scandal. Curie chose to go to the ceremony and accept the prize in person anyway, even though there was a lot of pressure on her.She was the first person ever to win Nobel Prizes in two different areas of science.

What Einstein wrote at the end of the letter

Historians have often pointed out one part of the letter because it shows what kind of scientist Einstein was.Einstein wrote a short note at the end about a new scientific idea he was working on, after giving support and encouragement. He talked about a statistical law that has to do with how molecules move in a radiation field.The brief scientific note seemed like an afterthought after the emotional message. This little thing shows how scientists often talked about both personal and scientific things in the same conversation.

Why the letter still attracts attention today

Historians and readers are still interested in the letter between Einstein and Curie for a number of reasons.First, it shows the human side of two important scientists. Most people remember Einstein and Curie for their important theories and discoveries. But this conversation shows how they treat each other and how much they respect each other.Second, the episode shows how hard it was for scientists in the early 1900s, especially women who worked in fields that were mostly men.Finally, the letter shows how the scientific community sometimes stood by each other when they were being criticised in public.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the Iran war was going to “end soon”, without providing any specific timeline. He also warned Tehran that if they tried “anything cute”, the US would end the nation. He called the Iran war a “short term excursion.”“It’s going to be ended soon, and if it starts up again they’ll be hit even harder,” Trump told a news conference in Florida. “We took a little excursion because we felt we had to do that to get rid of some people. And I think you’ll see it’s going to be a short-term excursion,” he said.

Earlier, during a CBS interview, he said that the war was “very complete” and warned Iran against doing “anything cute”.“They’ve shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it’s going to be the end of that country,” the US president said during a CBS interview. “If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran and you’d never hear the name again,” he added.“I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force,” he had said.Though he declared that US and allies had won, he added that it was not enough and would go “forward more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory”.“We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough. We go forward more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory that will end this long-running danger once and for all…The United States of America is the greatest and most exceptional nation in human history and will not be threatened by evil terrorists and lunatics any longer,” he said.He further said that if US and Israel did not attack Iran, Tehran would have initiated the attack.“If we didn’t go in, they would have come in after us…Within a week, they were going to attack us 100 per cent. They were ready. They had all these missiles far more than anyone thought and they were going to attack us. They were going to attack all of the Middle East and Israel. If they had a nuclear weapon, they would have used it on Israel. This was going to be a major attack. They had all of those missile sites and all those launchers that we got rid of about 80 per cent of them right now...They have very few launchers left. What our military has done is amazing,” he said.The US leader has offered similar assessments in recent days about the damage caused by the US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28, though he had not previously gone so far as to suggest the war might be nearing an end.As recently as last Friday, Trump said Iran’s “unconditional surrender” was the only acceptable outcome for ending the conflict.His latest remarks also came about an hour after the Pentagon wrote on social media that the United States had “only just begun to fight.”

NEW DELHI: Despite a slight dip in imports due to govt’s impetus on ‘Make-in-India’ weapons, India remains the world’s second-largest importer of major arms, accounting for 8.2% of the global share between 2021 and 2025, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).The report also highlights a sharp decline in New Delhi’s decades-long dependence on Russia for arms supply. Moscow’s share, the report, says has fallen from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25, with France and Israel becoming the big gainers, as their respective shares rising to 29% and 15%. The 4% fall in India’s arms imports compared to 2016-2020 cycle was due to the country’s stress on indigenous weapons. “The decrease can be partly attributed to India’s growing ability to design and produce its own weapons — although there are often substantial delays in domestic production,” the report said.This trend in Indian imports will continue in the coming years as a series of big-ticket defence deals with western countries are on the cards, including 114 Rafale fighter jets from France (may cost approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore), six air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped conventional submarines from Germany, six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the US, and several deals on missile defence systems and drones with Israel.The Sipri report also mentioned the May 2025 Operation Sindoor, emphasising that India’s arsenal is mainly driven by the dual threat from China and Pakistan. “In South Asia, the high volume of arms that India imports is largely due to the perceived threat from China and to India’s long-running conflict with the main recipient of Chinese arms exports, Pakistan. Imported weapons were used in the 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed states,” the SIPRI analyst said.When it comes to India’s rival Pakistan, its military hardware is majorly sourced from China, with nearly 80% of its arms imports coming from Beijing, according to the report. Pakistan was the fifth largest recipient of major arms globally in 2021-25, up from 10th place in 2016-20. Its arms imports rose by 66% between the two periods, accounting for 4.2% of total global arms imports.Globally, the report said the top five arms importers in 2021-25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, which together accounted for 35% of total arms imports. The report also said there was a rise of 9.2% in arms trade between 2021 and 2025 compared to the 2016-2020 period.The US remained the world’s largest arms exporter, accounting for 42% of global arms exports during the period. France was the second largest exporter with a 9.8% share, while Russia ranked third with 6.8%. The US exported arms to 99 states in 2021–25, including 35 states in Europe, 18 in the Americas, 17 in Africa, 17 in Asia and Oceania and 12 in West Asia.It said Europe accounted for the largest share of global arms imports for the first time since the 1960s, driven largely by the war in Ukraine and rising security concerns across the region. Europe accounted for 33% of global arms imports, followed by Asia and Oceania at 31% and West Asia at 26%.Globally also, Russia’s share of global arms exports declined sharply from 21% in 2016-20 to 6.8% in 2021-25, mainly due to major drops in exports to countries such as Algeria, China and Egypt.