India has categorically rejected a recent report alleging that the country has failed to prevent European buyers from transferring Indian-made artillery shells to Ukraine. The report, published by Reuters, claimed that these transfers have been ongoing for over a year, suggesting that the Indian government has not acted despite multiple protests from Moscow. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs labeled the report as “speculative” and “misleading,” emphasizing that it inaccurately implies violations by India.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the report does not reflect India’s commitment to non-proliferation and its robust arms export regulations. He asserted that India has an “impeccable track record” of complying with international obligations and strictly adheres to its own export rules. These regulations specifically prohibit unauthorized transfers of weapons to third parties, underscoring the importance of responsible arms sales. In a move to tighten these regulations further, India announced in May that buyers must ensure their arms do not end up in third countries.
The Reuters report cited unnamed Indian and European officials, as well as customs data, claiming that India produces a small fraction—estimated at less than 1%—of the total arms imported by Ukraine since the onset of the war in 2021. The report identified Italy and the Czech Republic among the European nations allegedly sending Indian ammunition to Ukraine, which is currently facing a severe artillery shortage amidst a renewed offensive from Russia.
The report further indicated that Moscow had raised concerns with New Delhi on at least two occasions, including discussions between foreign ministers in July. However, the Kremlin has yet to publicly respond to either the report or India’s statement.
India’s foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been characterized by a careful balancing act. While Delhi has refrained from directly criticizing Russia—a nation with which it shares deep-rooted ties in trade and defense—India has consistently advocated for the importance of respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has maintained a stance that emphasizes diplomacy and dialogue as the means to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Historically, India and Russia have enjoyed a strong partnership, particularly in the defense sector, where Russia accounts for over 60% of India’s arms imports. Despite the geopolitical pressures from Western powers, India continues to strengthen its relationship with Moscow. In July, Modi made his first bilateral visit to Russia since being re-elected for a third term, during which he referred to President Vladimir Putin as a “dear friend.” This visit, however, drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed disappointment over Modi’s embrace of Putin, whom he labeled as a “bloody criminal.”
Shortly after his visit to Russia, Modi took steps to engage with Ukraine, meeting with Zelensky and affirming India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Analysts interpret this as a reflection of India’s longstanding non-alignment policy, which aims to navigate complex international relations without taking sides.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, India’s strategic approach remains under scrutiny, balancing its historical ties with Russia while addressing the changing dynamics of global geopolitics. The recent allegations surrounding the transfer of arms serve as a reminder of the complexities India faces in navigating its diplomatic relationships amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
