Indian artillery shells have been finding their way to Ukraine through European intermediaries for over a year, showcasing India’s growing influence in the global arms market. Despite concerns from Russia, India has maintained a neutral stance, allowing this trade to proceed without direct intervention. This development is highlighted in a Reuters report, which draws on insights from Indian and European officials, as well as defence industry representatives.
The report indicates that while Russia has raised objections on at least two occasions, including during high-level diplomatic meetings, the trade has persisted. Indian laws technically limit the use of exported weapons to the initial buyer, but in practice, this has not hindered the flow of arms through European partners.
Sources suggest that while India officially remains uninvolved in directly supplying ammunition to Ukraine, European nations such as Italy and the Czech Republic have been redirecting Indian shells to the region. Notably, Italian defence contractor Meccanica per l’Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES) has been purchasing empty shells from India, filling them with explosives, and then facilitating their transfer to Ukraine.
Customs data shows that the types of ammunition exported include 155mm shells and mines of 120mm and 125mm calibres. Despite this, India’s contribution to Ukraine’s overall ammunition supply is relatively small, with sources indicating it accounts for less than 1%.
India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has provided an unexpected opportunity for the nation to bolster its arms exports. Since the onset of the conflict, Indian ammunition exports to Europe have seen a dramatic increase, rising from $2.8 million to $135.25 million. This surge underscores India’s strategic move to enhance its role in the international defence market.
India’s neutral position on the Ukraine conflict, alongside its decision not to join Western sanctions against Russia, reflects a careful diplomatic balance. This neutrality has allowed India to maintain crucial defence trade relations with both Russia, a key supplier of over 60% of its arms imports, and European partners.
By adhering to a policy of non-interference in the arms trade between European intermediaries and Ukraine, India has highlighted the complex nature of global defence trade. The growth in Indian arms exports, facilitated through European channels, serves as an example of how international conflicts can open new avenues for countries to expand their defence industries.
This shift in India’s arms trade, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war, marks an important transition in global defence patterns. While India has traditionally been a significant arms importer, this trend indicates its emerging role as an exporter. It also points to the broader complexities of regulating arms trade and navigating geopolitical considerations.
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