India has dramatically expanded ammunition exports to the European Union, becoming one of the leading suppliers to Central and Eastern European countries, Bloomberg reports, citing Trade Data Monitor figures based on statistics from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Since 2022, Indian ammunition shipments to Europe have totaled at least $872 million, an increase of more than 1,600% compared with the previous four-year period.

European buyers have purchased artillery shells, mortar ammunition, propellant charges and explosives from New Delhi. Around 75% of these exports went to 13 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

The rapid expansion has pushed India from 28th to second place among ammunition suppliers to European markets, with only South Korea ranking higher. However, Bloomberg notes that Indian shipments remain relatively modest compared with those of the United States and other major global arms exporters.

Growing European demand for military equipment has been a major driver of the increase. Another factor is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of expanding domestic defense manufacturing and reducing the Indian military’s dependence on foreign suppliers.

In April 2026, Indian authorities reported that the value of arms exports had risen by 63% to $4 billion for the financial year. The figure includes both completed deliveries and signed contracts.

Despite the expansion, New Delhi does not disclose detailed information about exported weapons or their final buyers.

Every arms export deal requires approval from India’s Defense Ministry, while contractual restrictions govern how the equipment can be used and whether it can be transferred to third parties.

Indian officials told Bloomberg that weapons reaching conflict zones not covered by their original agreements could expose manufacturers and the country itself to sanctions and other consequences.

The increase in arms purchases comes amid repeated warnings from Western politicians that Russia could be preparing for a military confrontation with Europe. Moscow has rejected allegations that it intends to attack European countries.