India’s arms sales to European buyers during the Russia-Ukraine war, despite its neutral stance, reveal a troubling contradiction between its economic interests and its global responsibilities.

In a world full of conflicts, what does it say about a nation that profits from the sale of arms while simultaneously claiming neutrality? The Russia-Ukraine war has thrust India into the global spotlight, a country that has not only refused to impose sanctions on Russia like much of the Western world but has also actively participated in arms sales that fuel the bloodletting.

Despite Moscow’s discontent, Indian defense industries continue to sell artillery shells to European buyers, who then transfer them to Ukraine. This unsettling development raises fundamental questions about India’s role as a global citizen and its reliability as a defense partner. More so, it casts a light on just how deeply India is involved in arms procurement.

India’s role in the Ukraine war remains veiled in a layer of plausible deniability. Indian arms manufacturers, under the guise of commerce, have sold artillery shells to European buyers with full knowledge that these munitions will eventually end up in Ukrainian hands. The irony is glaring: the same ammunition that originates from Russia is, by way of India, being sent to fight against Russian forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s steadfast refusal to support sanctions against Russia reveals a stark contradiction. Although India sources more than 60% of its arms from Russia, it continues to capitalize on the war, profiting from the very conflict that involves one of its long-standing allies. This is more than just a betrayal of trust—it is a signal of India’s growing willingness to exploit war for commercial gain.

India’s desire to expand its arms export business during a European conflict raises serious concerns. What is increasingly apparent is that India does not view this conflict as a humanitarian crisis, but rather as an opportunity to increase its arms sales. Between 2018 and 2023, India’s arms exports were valued at over $3 billion—a figure that highlights its growing ambitions in the global arms market. It is particularly ironic that the artillery shells exported by India are being used against Russian forces, thereby undermining its historical relationship with Moscow. These actions raise questions not only about India’s standing in the international community but also about its reliability as a defense partner for Russia.

Adding to this picture of duplicity is India’s involvement in arms sales that stoke tensions in other conflict zones as well. For instance, India’s arms trade supports Israel’s military operations, further painting a portrait of India as a nation driven by profit, rather than by principles. This perception of India as a brazen profiteer with little regard for international peace and security is damaging its global reputation. Russia has already expressed concern twice over the use of Indian-made ammunition by Ukrainian forces, a fact that not only calls into question India’s integrity but also casts a shadow over the future of its bilateral relationship with Russia.

The silence from Indian officials regarding the shipment of arms to Ukraine speaks volumes about their intent. While India may only contribute a small fraction of the ammunition currently being used by Ukraine, the very fact that it permits these weapons to pass through its borders suggests a lack of concern for the wider implications of the war. This exploitation of arms export regulations—where European buyers can easily transfer weapons to Ukraine—further underscores India’s opportunistic behavior.

Recent customs data reveals that Indian artillery shells were supplied to an Italian contractor, who then modified them with explosives for use by Ukrainian forces. This complex web of arms transfers raises significant ethical questions, not only for India but also for its European trading partners. Yet India remains unfazed, pushing forward with its arms export plans regardless of the human cost.

A thorough analysis of India’s actions during the Ukraine war reveals a nation acting in duplicity, willing to sacrifice its values for profit. India risks losing not only a key partner in Russia but also its standing in the international community by placing its arms export ambitions ahead of its historical alliances and global responsibilities. Can a nation that claims to be a peacemaker truly hold such a position while profiting from a war economy? This is a question that demands serious reflection and a reckoning, both for India and for the global community.