Thu Sep 19 06:07:00 UTC 2024: ## India Silent as European Customers Divert Artillery Shells to Ukraine: Report
**New Delhi, India** – Indian-made artillery shells intended for European customers have been diverted to Ukraine, despite protests from Moscow, according to a Reuters investigation. The report, based on interviews with eleven Indian and European government and defense industry officials, as well as an analysis of commercially available customs data, reveals that the transfer of munitions has been ongoing for over a year.
While Indian arms export regulations prohibit unauthorized transfers and the use of weaponry beyond the declared purchaser, New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade.
The Kremlin has raised concerns with the Indian government on at least two occasions, including during a July meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Indian counterpart.
This revelation comes as India navigates a delicate balancing act between its close ties with Russia and its growing strategic partnership with the West. Despite international pressure to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, India has maintained a neutral stance and refrained from imposing sanctions on Moscow.
The report raises questions about India’s commitment to its arms export regulations and its ability to monitor the flow of weapons sold to European countries. It also highlights the potential for Indian-made munitions to be used in the ongoing conflict, further complicating India’s position on the global stage.
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