Reports of Ukraine using Indian ammo misleading: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today dismissed reports suggesting that Indian-made ammunition is being used in Ukraine to target Russian forces, calling them “speculative and misleading”.

The reports, based on an international news agency’s claims, implied potential violations by India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that no such violations exist, deeming the report inaccurate and mischievous.

Sources confirmed that no ammunition sales from India have been made to Ukraine. The MEA emphasised India’s “impeccable track record” in adhering to international obligations related to military and dual-use items exports.

India follows a stringent legal and regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with non-proliferation principles and requiring end-user certifications for defence exports. The ministry also suggested that if any buyer has diverted an ammunition consignment to another country, it would be a violation of the end-user obligations.

Earlier, a news agency reported 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, according to 11 Indian and European government and defence industry officials.