Summary:
- European countries are transferring Indian-made artillery shells to Ukraine.
- India denies any violations of its arms export policies.
- Kyiv faces a severe shortage of artillery shells.
- Despite Russian concerns, India sees arms exports as a business opportunity.
Indian Ammunition Reaching Ukraine Amid Russia-Ukraine War
In a surprising turn of events, Indian-made artillery shells have been transferred by European customers to Ukraine, raising concerns from Russia. Despite India’s arms export regulations, which prohibit the unauthorized resale of weaponry, several Indian and European government officials, along with customs data reviewed by Reuters, confirm the transfer of these munitions to Ukraine.
India, which maintains strong ties with both Russia and the West, has not intervened to halt these transactions, despite Russia’s repeated protests. Artillery shells exported by India have been making their way to Ukraine for over a year, aiding the country in its defense against Russia.
Russia’s Protest and India’s Response
Russia has formally raised the issue with India on at least two occasions, including during a meeting in July between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart. Despite Russia’s concerns, India’s foreign ministry has labeled the reports as “misleading and inaccurate.”
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India’s defense exports adhere to strict international obligations, and there have been no violations.” India continues to monitor the situation but has not taken steps to block the flow of arms to European customers supplying Ukraine.
India’s Growing Arms Exports and Global Market
India’s defense industry is expanding, with over $3 billion worth of arms exported between 2018 and 2023. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that India’s arms exports surpassed $2.5 billion last year, with aims to reach $6 billion by 2029. This growth includes artillery shell sales to countries like Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Slovenia. These European nations have been critical in supplying Kyiv with ammunition.
India’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
India’s position in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is complex. While maintaining its long-standing defense relationship with Russia, India has also strengthened ties with Western nations, including the United States, particularly in the context of countering China’s growing influence. Some experts suggest that the transfer of Indian ammunition to Ukraine allows India to balance its relationships with both Russia and the West.
Western Firms and Arms Transfers
Italian defense contractor Meccanica per l’Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) is a major buyer of Indian artillery shells. The company purchases empty shells from Indian firms like Yantra India and fills them with explosives before shipping them to Ukraine. Customs records show significant shipments of these shells to Ukraine through various European countries.
Conclusion: Balancing Business and Geopolitics
India’s growing arms export sector presents both commercial opportunities and diplomatic challenges. While Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, India is leveraging the Russia-Ukraine war to boost its own defense exports. The delicate balancing act between maintaining its relationship with Russia and expanding its arms market in Europe is likely to continue shaping India’s foreign policy.
