India rejects report on diversion of defence exports to Ukraine

New Delhi, Sep 19: India rejected a recent Reuters report alleging that Indian-made artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers were being diverted by European customers to Ukraine.

In response, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist, and hence is inaccurate and mischievous.”

Jaiswal emphasised India’s strong commitment to adhering to international norms. “India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items. India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications.”

The Reuters report earlier claimed that “artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine, and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow.”

The report cited 11 Indian and European government and defence industry officials and a Reuters analysis of commercially available customs data. It further alleged that the transfer of munitions to support Ukraine’s defence against Russia has been happening for more than a year, according to sources and customs data.