The government today said India has become the largest importer of arms, surpassing the Chinese share of five per cent of global arms imports during 2007-11. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said as per a report published in March 2012 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the largest importer of arms during 2007-11 and accounted for 10 per cent of global arms import as compared to Chinese share of five per cent.

On steps taken to prevent incidents of transgression, the Defence Minister said, effective border management is carried out through surveillance and regular patrolling by forces to prevent transgression from the Chinese side.

In reply to a query on shortage of resources in Indian Air Force (IAF), Mr Antony said that strengthening and modernisation of the force is an on-going process.

On upgradation of existing fleet of aircraft, the defence minister said that Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguars, AN-32 and Medium Lift Helicopters are being upgraded.