Indian arms manufacturers have been indirectly supplying Ukraine with artillery shells through European customers, despite protests from Russia. While India maintains a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict, the diversion of ammunition raises questions about end-user regulations and India’s delicate balancing act between its historical ties with Russia and its growing strategic partnership with the West.
India has emerged as a key supplier of artillery shells to Ukraine, despite Moscow’s concerns and New Delhi’s official stance of neutrality. European customers, including Italy and the Czech Republic, have diverted Indian-made munitions to support Ukraine’s war effort. This revelation comes as India seeks to expand its arms exports globally, balancing its longstanding ties with Russia with its growing relationship with the West.
India’s arms exports to European nations, including Italy and the Czech Republic, are being diverted to Ukraine, raising concerns from Russia. While India claims to have not taken any action to stop the supply, the diversion has angered Russia, who has raised the issue with India on multiple occasions. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Ukraine conflict and India’s growing arms export market.
The Indian Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for a ban on arms exports to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The court stated that it cannot interfere with the country’s foreign policy and that halting exports could have unforeseen consequences. The PIL, filed by Ashok Kumar Sharma and others, argued that Indian companies should not be allowed to supply military equipment to Israel due to the conflict’s impact on Palestinian civilians.
The UK government has announced the suspension of some arms exports to Israel, citing concerns that the equipment could be used to violate international humanitarian law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The move, while limited in military impact, carries symbolic weight and signals growing international pressure on Israel to end the war.
