Indian ammunition exports to Europe have risen sharply since the Russia-Ukraine war began, creating a major commercial opportunity for the country's defence industry. Reported trade data puts the value of these exports at least $87.2 crore, or more than about ₹7,000 crore.

The shipments do not involve fighter jets or missiles. They include artillery shells, mortar rounds, explosives and other materials used in ammunition production. Compared with the 4 years before the war, India's ammunition exports to Europe have increased by more than 1,600%.

European demand drives the increase

About three-quarters of the reported exports went to 13 countries in Eastern and Central Europe. These countries have played an important role in supplying weapons to Ukraine, while demand for ammunition has risen after the conflict began.

India has become the second-largest supplier of shells, mortar rounds, explosives and related materials to this group of countries, after South Korea. 4 years earlier, India ranked 28th on the same list.

The figures cited in the reporting come from Trade Data Monitor and India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Before the war, exports to Europe during the comparison period were valued at $4.92 crore. That figure has since risen to at least $87.2 crore.

Defence exports expand overall

The rise in ammunition shipments forms part of a broader increase in India's defence exports. The government said in April that total defence exports reached $4 billion in the financial year ending in March, representing growth of 63%.

That figure was more than double the level recorded in 2023 and about 25 times the amount reported roughly a decade earlier. The total includes export deals that have received approval but whose deliveries have not yet taken place.

Government-owned defence companies have contributed to the expansion. Munitions India Ltd., one of India's largest ammunition manufacturers, is among the companies involved. Its managing director, Ravi Kant, said that reaching overseas customers, alongside serving the domestic market, was important for expanding the company's business.

Trade links and India's Russia relationship

The growth in exports has also drawn attention because India has long been a major buyer of Russian weapons. More than half of India's fighter aircraft are of Russian origin, while most European countries regard Russia as an adversary.

Indian officials and people connected with the defence industry have described the European sales as a response to commercial demand. India's broader policy has been to maintain strategic autonomy rather than fully align with one side in major international conflicts.

India has not confirmed that it is sending weapons directly to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian customs records reportedly listed at least 78 consignments of Indian-origin 155-millimetre artillery shells in February 2024. The records put their value at $6.28 crore.

Those documents identified the United States-based company Regulus Global LLC as the exporter and Ukraine's state-owned SpetsTechnoExport as the importer. The records do not establish how the weapons were supplied afterwards.

Conclusion

India's ammunition exports to Europe have grown from $4.92 crore in the four-year pre-war comparison period to at least $87.2 crore, with 13 Eastern and Central European countries accounting for about three-quarters of the reported trade. India now ranks second among suppliers to those countries after South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What has India exported to European countries?

India has exported artillery shells, mortar rounds, explosives and other ammunition-related materials. The reported shipments do not include fighter jets or missiles.

Q. How much has India exported since the war began?

The reported value is at least $87.2 crore. This is more than about ₹7,000 crore.

Q. How much did exports rise?

Exports increased by more than 1,600% compared with the 4 years before the Russia-Ukraine war.

Q. Which European countries received most of the shipments?

About three-quarters of the exports went to 13 countries in Eastern and Central Europe.

Q. What is India's position among suppliers to those countries?

India is the second-largest supplier of the listed ammunition and related materials, after South Korea.

Q. Has India confirmed direct weapons shipments to Ukraine?

No. India has not confirmed that it is sending weapons directly to Ukraine.

Q. What did Ukrainian customs records list?

The records reportedly listed at least 78 consignments of Indian-origin 155-millimetre artillery shells in February 2024, valued at $6.28 crore.

Q. What were India's total defence exports in the latest financial year cited?

The government said total defence exports reached $4 billion in the financial year ending in March, after rising by 63%.