India
The security situation in India is not entirely stable as both the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over the status of Kashmir and armed insurgency in the northeast continue to spark instances of armed violence in the north of the country.[1] As of 2022, reports also state that human rights violations persist in the country.[2] Due to this instability, India has moderate levels of weapons and ammunition trafficking.[3] There are still risks linked to unexploded ordnance left in the country, especially around its border with Pakistan.[4]
Nonviolence International is on the ground to help with the through-life management of ammunition. Efforts have focused on developing regional and national mechanisms and initiatives to regulate weapons and ammunition.[5]
[1] “International Armed Conflict between India and Pakistan.” Rulac. Accessed August 26, 2022. https://www.rulac.org/browse/conflicts/international-armed-conflict-between-pakistan-and-india#collapse1accord. Betigeri, Aarti. “India's Northeast: An Integral Piece of the Puzzle.” Lowy Institute, February 2, 2022. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-s-northeast-integral-piece-puzzle.
[2] “World Report 2022: India Events of 2021.” Human Rights Watch. Accessed August 26, 2022. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/india.
[3] “Guns in India.” Gun Law and Policy: Firearms and armed violence, country by country. Accessed August 26, 2022. https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/india.
[4] “India Mine Ban Policy.” Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor. Accessed August 26, 2022. http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/2018/india/mine-ban-policy.aspx. Sharma, Ashutosh. “Death-Traps along the Border: Why Are Indian Landmines Killing Indians?” National Herald, December 9, 2018. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/death-traps-along-the-border-why-are-indian-landmines-killing-indians.
[5] See A-MAP Database.
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Further information
Accidental explosions
Since the beginning of data collection in 1979 by the Small Arms Survey, numerous accidental explosions were reported in India (Table 1).
Table. 1 Accidental explosions in India (1979-2021)
Year | Location | Owner/manager | Deaths | Injuries |
2020 | Jodhe | State (military) | 0 | 3 |
2020 | Khundru | State (military) | 2 | 2 |
2019 | Putlighar | Non-state (private) | 2 | 5 |
2018 | Khundru | State (military) | 0 | 2 |
2018 | Pulgaon | State (military) | 6 | 18 |
2017 | Khadki | State (military) | 2 | 0 |
2016 | Pulgaon | State (military) | 19 | 19 |
2015 | Visakhapatnam | State (military) | 0 | 5 |
2013 | Balasore | State (military) | N/A | N/A |
2013 | Nagrota | State (military) | 1 | 1 |
2010 | Panagarh | State (military) | 0 | 0 |
2010 | Binnaguri | State (military) | 0 | 0 |
2009 | Jaisalmer | State (military) | 2 | 2 |
2008 | Bandipora | State (police) | 0 | 0 |
2008 | Khundru | State (military) | 1 | 3 |
2008 | Gandhidamn | State (military) | 2 | 6 |
2007 | Bhadravathi | N/A | 0 | 0 |
2007 | Srinagar | State (military) | 18 | 40 |
2007 | Dehradun | Non-state (company) | 5 | 5 |
2005 | Pulgaon | State (military) | N/A | N/A |
2004 | Amritsar | State (police) | 0 | 30 |
2004 | Amlanagar | State (military) | 0 | 2 |
2004 | Charbatia | State (military) | N/A | N/A |
2003 | Jodhpur | N/A | 0 | 0 |
2002 | Ganganar-Bikaner | State (military) | 2 | 12 |
2002 | Dapper | State (military) | 0 | 4 |
2002 | Jodhpur | State (military) | 0 | 0 |
2001 | Pathankot | State (military) | 0 | 0 |
2001 | Suratgarh | State (military) | 1 | 5 |
2000 | Bharatpur | State (military) | 5 | 10 |
1999 | --, Kashmir | N/A | N/A | N/A |
1998 | Balasore | State (military) | 0 | 0 |
1993 | Leh | State (military) | 18 | 9 |
1989 | Pulgaon | State (military) | 3 | 15 |
Source: Small Arms Survey. n.d. Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS). Database.
Cases of diversion
Several cases of diversion have been reported since 2000 in India (Table 2).
Table 2: Cases of diversion of arms, ammunition, and explosives in India since 2000
Year | Location | Description |
2021 | Meghalaya | Three INSAS rifles were stolen from a police station. |
2019 | Madhya Pradesh | Two men posing as officers stole two INSAS rifles and 20 live cartridges from a police station. |
2018 | Madhya Pradesh | 22 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 spare parts were stolen from an ordnance depot. |
2018 | Manipur | 56 9mm 1A pistols and 58 loaded magazines were stolen from a police armoury. |
2010 | Guwahati | 75 bullets were stolen from the army during a transfer to the Pune ordnance factory. |
Source: “2 Men, Posing as Officers, Steal Rifles from Army Cantonment in Madhya Pradesh.” Hindustan Times, December 7, 2019. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/insas-rifles-stolen-from-armymen-in-madhya-pradesh-accused-impersonated-as-officers/story-AMrdD4LCWMa0KeprHXIiHN.html. “Nia Arrest Arms Syndicate Member in AK47 Stealing and Trade Case.” Hindustan Times, December 9, 2020. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nia-arrest-arms-syndicate-member-in-ak47-stealing-and-trade-case/story-czIRsMYuZTJbquzKEr3nIP.html. Choudhury, Ratnadip. “Anonymous Letter Helps Recover Weapons Stolen from Meghalaya Police.” NDTV, August 23, 2021. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/anonymous-letter-helps-recover-weapons-insas-rifles-stolen-from-meghalaya-police-in-shillong-on-independence-day-2516916. Thokchom, Khelen. “Arms Theft in Manipur.” Telegraph India, April 1, 2018. https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/arms-theft-in-manipur/cid/1445667. “Army Ammunition Stolen from Guwahati Express.” NDTV, May 24, 2010. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/army-ammunition-stolen-from-guwahati-express-418868.
Disposal
Destruction, use, or export of ammunition as an indicator of a state’s ability to identify and decrease aging, unsafe, or surplus ammunition.
Insufficient information on the disposal of ammunition in India.
Needs
Further requirements for an effective through-life management of ammunition in the country.
No needs have been reported for India.[1]
[1] PoA Report 2022, India. Please note that PoA reports focus on SALW and not specifically on ammunition. https://smallarms.un-arm.org/country-profiles/IND.
