Helsinki - A Swedish think tank says that the global arms trade has steadily increased in volume the past five years, propelled by an almost doubling of arms imports in the Middle East and strong growth in demand in Asia.
Five countries - United States, Russia, China, France, Germany - accounted for 74% of the total arms exports.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said on Monday that Asia and Oceania accounted for 43% of global arms imports in 2012-16, with India being the largest importer accounting for 43% of all imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia with an increase of 212% compared to the previous five years.
The largest exporter, USA, increased arms exports by 21%, with almost half going to the Middle East.