The Global Export Cycle: Arms, Terrorism, and Talent Flow (2025 Analysis)
Research by Aero Nutist | May15, 2025
The global exchange of goods, services, and even challenges shapes international relations in 2025. This analysis examines a complex cycle: the US exporting weapons to Turkey, Turkey supplying arms to Pakistan, Pakistan’s role in terrorism affecting India, and India’s export of skilled professionals to the US. Let’s break down each segment with the latest data.
US Arms Exports to Turkey: A Shifting Landscape
Contrary to common belief, the US is not the largest exporter of weapons to Turkey in 2025. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Spain leads with 34% of Turkey’s arms imports from 2020–2024, followed by Italy (24%) and Germany (19%) Turkish Minute, 2025. Historically, the US dominated, supplying 60% of Turkey’s arms between 2014 and 2018 BBC, 2019, but strained relations have shifted the dynamics.
Turkey’s Arms Exports to Pakistan: The China Factor
Turkey is often cited as a key arms supplier to Pakistan, but it’s not the largest. China dominates, providing 63–81% of Pakistan’s arms imports from 2020–2024, as reported by FAIR and NiftyTrader FAIR, 2025 NiftyTrader, 2025. Turkey, however, is a significant player, with Pakistan receiving 10% of its arms exports, ranking third after the UAE and Qatar Turkish Minute, 2025.
Pakistan and Terrorism in India: A Persistent Challenge
Pakistan is frequently linked to terrorism in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, allegedly supported by Pakistan, have been implicated in attacks, as noted by the US State Department US State Department, 2021. A recent incident in 2025 saw India retaliating with missile strikes following a Kashmir attack NBC News, 2025, highlighting ongoing tensions.
India’s Brain Drain to the US: Leading Global Talent Migration
India is the largest source of skilled professionals migrating to the US. In 2022, 14% of highly educated US immigrants (with a bachelor’s degree or higher) were from India, surpassing China (8%) and the Philippines (7%), according to the Migration Policy Institute Migration Policy Institute, 2024. This trend, fueled by the 1965 Immigration Act, underscores India’s role in global talent flow Wikipedia, 2025.
Key Takeaways from the Export Cycle
- The US is no longer the top arms exporter to Turkey, with Spain taking the lead.
- China, not Turkey, is the largest arms supplier to Pakistan.
- Pakistan remains a significant source of terrorism affecting India.
- India leads in exporting skilled talent to the US, shaping global innovation.
References for Further Reading
For more insights, explore the sources cited throughout this post, including SIPRI reports, US State Department data, and recent news updates.
