National/Alive News: India has significantly expanded its presence in the global defence market, emerging as the second-largest ammunition supplier to Eastern and Central Europe after South Korea. According to data from Trade Data Monitor, India has supplied European countries with ammunition worth ₹8,271 crore since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
India’s defence exports to Eastern and Central Europe have reportedly surged by 1,600%, pushing the country up from 28th place to second among the region’s ammunition suppliers.
India has also strengthened its defence trade with Israel. By March 2026, it had become the third-largest foreign supplier of aircraft, helicopter and drone parts to Israel, climbing from ninth place in 2023.
India’s Defence Industry Meets Europe’s Growing Demand
The expansion of India’s defence exports comes as European countries seek to replenish ammunition stocks and strengthen their military capabilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Simon Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), said ammunition sourced from India was helping meet Ukraine-related requirements and Europe’s defence needs.
Walter Ladwig, a political scientist at King’s College London, noted that Indian companies were supplying weapons to European countries rather than sending them directly to Ukraine.
India’s established defence manufacturing sector has enabled it to become an increasingly important supplier as European governments seek alternative sources of ammunition and military equipment.
Ammunition Exports to Israel Match Six Years of Previous Sales
India has also expanded its defence supplies to Israel amid the continuing conflict in West Asia.
In the two years leading up to March 2026, India exported artillery shells, mortar rounds and explosives worth approximately ₹630 crore to Israel. The reported value was equivalent to the country’s total exports of these items to Israel during the preceding six years.
The figures highlight the expansion of India’s ammunition trade with both European countries and Israel, although the categories of defence equipment supplied to the two markets differ.
Russia-Ukraine War Continues Since February 2022
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a prolonged war that has reshaped European security and defence policies.
Russia continues to control approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, while fighting has caused extensive military and civilian casualties and displaced millions of people.
By June 2023, around eight million people from Ukraine had sought refuge in other countries, according to the figures cited in the report.
The ongoing conflict has increased demand for ammunition and military supplies across Europe. Against this backdrop, India’s rise among ammunition suppliers reflects the growing international reach of its defence industry and the changing dynamics of the global arms trade.
