Thu Sep 19 06:09:46 UTC 2024: ## India Turns Blind Eye as European Allies Divert Artillery Shells to Ukraine

**New Delhi, India** – Despite protests from Moscow, India has not intervened to stop the diversion of artillery shells manufactured by Indian arms makers to Ukraine, according to a Reuters investigation. European customers, including Italy and the Czech Republic, have been supplying these munitions to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia for over a year.

This revelation comes despite India’s arms export regulations which restrict the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser. India’s Foreign Ministry has previously denied any involvement in sending munitions to Ukraine, but sources indicate that the country is aware of the situation and has chosen not to act.

The Kremlin has raised concerns with India on at least two occasions, including a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Indian counterpart in July.

While Indian officials claim the amount of diverted ammunition is minimal, experts believe it is a strategic move by India to show support for the West without fully alienating Russia. The diversion allows India to maintain its close ties with both sides of the conflict while capitalizing on the global demand for arms.

The revelations highlight the complex geopolitics of the Russia-Ukraine war and India’s delicate balancing act between its strategic partnerships.

**Key Findings:**

* **Diversion:** European customers have been diverting Indian-made artillery shells to Ukraine for over a year.
* **India’s Inaction:** India has not intervened to stop the transfers, despite protests from Russia and its own export regulations.
* **Strategic Significance:** The diversion allows India to demonstrate support for the West while maintaining ties with Russia.
* **Rising Arms Exports:** India is using the war to bolster its burgeoning arms export industry.

**Expert Opinions:**

* **Arzan Tarapore, India defence expert at Stanford University:** India’s push to expand arms exports likely contributed to the diversion.
* **Walter Ladwig, South Asia security expert at King’s College London:** The diversion is geopolitically useful for India as it allows them to show support for the West without fully alienating Russia.

**The revelations raise concerns about India’s commitment to its arms export regulations and the potential for future diversions as the war in Ukraine continues.**

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