By Girish Linganna
Apr 6: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its third year, draws significant international involvement. Nations worldwide provide support through weapons and munitions, as both Russia and Ukraine seek to bolster their strategic positions through alliances and resource management.
The conflict has become a battleground where arms from various countries are tested. These confrontations, often orchestrated by the arms providers, showcase the capabilities of advanced Western military equipment used by Ukraine against Russian forces. This underscores NATO's support for Kyiv.
Moscow's use of Iranian kamikaze drones against Ukrainian defenses, equipped with Western anti-aircraft systems, highlights the enduring friction between Tehran and Washington D.C. This is a fragment of a broader geopolitical picture, including disputes over nuclear ambitions and Middle Eastern influence. The recent Israel-Gaza conflict further complicates regional dynamics, with Washington's alliance with Israel and Tehran's support for Palestinian groups adding layers to the U.S.-Iran relationship. These ongoing conflicts underscore the intricate and volatile nature of international relations in the region.
Both Ukraine and Russia are tapping into the private and state owner sectors to supplement their weaponry needs. The complex web of global commerce has led to unexpected pairings on the battlefield.
Recent images have surfaced, depicting Ukrainian forces employing 155mm artillery shells, which appear to originate from India. Concurrently, there are reports of Russian units utilizing military hardware supplied by China. In January, amid these developments, the Indian government – which has opted to abstain from joining Western sanctions against Moscow and has instead secured beneficial energy agreements with Russia – issued a clarification. It stated unequivocally that it has no involvement in the transfer of artillery shells to Ukraine. This stance by India underscores its dedication to maintaining its diplomatic principles and safeguarding its economic interests, even in the face of complex international dynamics.
India's Stance
India and Russia have shared a strategic alliance for decades, fostering a relationship built on mutual trust, defense cooperation, and bilateral trade. However, India views China as its primary military concern, with heightened vigilance due to ongoing Himalayan border tensions and China's expanding presence in neighboring countries.
Speculative media accounts indicate that 155mm shells may have been initially procured by at least two European countries, Slovenia allegedly among them, from Munitions India Limited (MIL), an Indian government-owned bomb-making company. These munitions were purportedly then dispatched to Ukraine. For further clarity and insight into these claims, Newsweek.com, a U.S.based media house has sought responses via email from both MIL and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the media outlet has reported.
Last month, Slovenia categorically refuted these allegations, labeling them as baseless and asserting that it had not acquired 155mm ammunition from India, nor been involved in any subsequent distribution or resale to other nations. Slovenia views this inaccurate reporting as a dual affront, aiming to tarnish its reputation and undermine its credibility, particularly at a time when it has taken up the mantle as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, as expressed in comments to the media.
While Ukrainian troops have encountered Chinese-manufactured ammunition, there's no verified indication of direct provision from Beijing. China consistently rejects claims of directly supporting Russia's military efforts, positioning itself as an impartial entity and possible peace negotiator.
U.S. National Security Lawyer on India's Balancing Act
Irina Tsukerman, a U.S. national security lawyer and geopolitical analyst, offers insight into the intricate dynamics at play:
"Ukraine is shaping up as a preliminary stage for a possible broader conflict involving Russia, NATO, and potentially China and India. India has maintained neutrality, sometimes perceived as pro-Russian due to BRICS membership. However, China's anti-Western sentiment is putting India's security on alert. While India historically relies on Russian military hardware, it's broadening its sources for armaments while advancing its own defense industry.
Despite India's defense ties with Russia, it is exploring opportunities to widen its foreign defense client base. This competitive stance in the global market could potentially complicate India's role in the Ukraine conflict. As Russia and China strengthen their alliance across various domains, and with India vying against China in defense and broader geopolitical arenas – such as competing initiatives like the Silk Road and the Spice Road/Middle Corridor – several questions emerge. Will India's market ambitions surpass its ties with Russia? Could logistical dependencies, for which Russia has been a transport solution, be disrupted by Ukrainian assaults within Russia, among other concerns? These are the questions prompted by the unusual standoff between Chinese and Indian weaponry on Ukrainian soil."
Munitions India Limited
MIL, with its main office located in Pune, Western India, came into existence in November 2021 following the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven distinct Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) focused on defense. The company operates 12 manufacturing units that specialize in the production of a wide range of ordnance, including bullets, shells, mortars, rockets, and hand grenades.
Gnaneshwar Tyagi, who serves as the Chief General Manager at the High Energy Projectile Factory of MIL, conveyed in a discussion with Hindu BusinessLine that MIL is set to initiate the manufacturing of 125-mm 'mango' tank shells. These shells boast the ability to penetrate armor as thick as 600mm. The production of these munitions in India is conducted under a licensing agreement with the Russian weapons manufacturer Techmash. MIL is planning to roll out a total of 6,000 of these units from its facility located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, according to Tyagi.