India-made ammunition being used by Ukraine against Russia
Islamabad: In what shows India is playing a double game in Russia-Ukraine war, it has transpired that Ukraine has reportedly been using India-made 155mm artillery ammunition in its war with Russia.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the images of the ammunition released by Ukrain from inside AHS Krab Self Propelled Howitzer, closely resemble products manufactured by Munitions India Limited, suggesting a potential connection.
If the ammunition is indeed of Indian origin, it raises concerns about potential violations of end-user agreements, as India had recently exported the 155mm ammunition to various customers. The situation prompts questions about how the ammunition reached Ukraine and whether it was indirectly sourced, possibly violating established agreements.
The development is significant because India and Russia have maintained close ties over the years, with Russia being one of India’s key defense suppliers. The Indian economy has been benefiting from cheaper Russian oil. Russia is also India’s largest oil supplier and significantly contributed to the country’s energy security. India has tried to maintain its non-aligned status but now the tides have shifted India is playing a double game.
Earlier, the BJP government has reportedly provided Ukraine with several thousand MILAN anti-tank missile systems, being used against Russian troops in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The Indian-made French-designed MILAN-2T, man-portable (Infantry) second-generation ATGM have been supplied to Ukrainian military.
Missiles that reached Ukraine are being used on the battlefield against India’s supposed ally, Russia. Ukraine is using massive amounts of artillery ammunition and anti-tank missile systems (ATGM’s) in the war, underscoring the continuous demand for such weapons. As a result, Ukraine is looking for ways to replenish its ammo supplies. India has been a key part of supplying these arms to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Moreover, India and Ukraine agreed to optimize military ties, particularly in the defense cooperation, by signing four agreements worth $70 mn for weapons, upgrades for Kyiv with Aero India.
