Indian-manufactured artillery shells are finding their way to Ukraine through European intermediaries, according to government and defense industry sources. This development highlights India's complex geopolitical position and its growing ambitions in the global arms market.
Despite protests from Moscow, New Delhi has not intervened to halt these transfers, which have been ongoing for over a year. The situation underscores India's delicate balancing act between its longstanding relationship with Russia and its emerging ties with Western nations.
Indian officials estimate that less than 1% of Ukraine's imported arms since the conflict began in February 2022 are of Indian origin. However, the transfers have caught the attention of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who raised the issue with his Indian counterpart in July 2023.
Several European countries, including Italy and the Czech Republic, have been involved in redirecting Indian munitions to Ukraine. Customs data reveals a significant increase in exports of munition components from major Indian manufacturers to these countries since the start of the conflict.
"Defence exports surpassed $2.5 billion in the last fiscal year, and we aim to increase that to about $6 billion by 2029."
This statement reflects India's ambition to become a major player in the global arms market. The country has traditionally been the world's largest arms importer but is now seeking to expand its export sector.
One notable example of these transfers involves Italian defense contractor Meccanica per l'Elettronica e Servomeccanismi (MES), which has been purchasing empty shells from India's Yantra and filling them with explosives. Customs records indicate significant shipments of 155mm L15A1 shells from Yantra to MES between February 2022 and July 2023.
While India maintains warm ties with Russia, its primary arms supplier for decades, it also sees the ongoing conflict as an opportunity to develop its nascent arms export sector. This approach aligns with India's broader strategy of diversifying its international partnerships and asserting itself as a global player.
The situation demonstrates the complex nature of international arms transfers and the challenges of enforcing end-user agreements. As India continues to navigate its relationships with various global powers, its growing role in the arms trade is likely to remain a subject of international scrutiny and debate.