Germany is in talks to buy artillery ammunition from India, according to Der Spiegel on Feb. 26. India reportedly has a large stockpile, with "several hundred thousand rounds" ready.
Josep Borrell, the European Union's leading diplomat, encouraged EU countries on Feb. 19 to find ammunition for Ukraine from places outside the EU if it's faster, cheaper, and easier.
Ukraine is running low on ammunition, and a $61 billion aid package from the U.S. is delayed in Congress. This has led to worries that Ukraine might soon run out of important supplies, like shells and air defenses.
Global Search for Supplies
Der Spiegel mentioned that Germany is looking for new sources of ammunition in Arab countries, the Balkans, and Africa to help Ukraine. German military, diplomats, and officials are meeting in Berlin every two weeks to figure out "which countries can be approached that may still have ammunition stocks."
The talks with India are being kept discreet because India has "friendly relations with Moscow," according to Der Spiegel. There's a possibility that Germany could get the ammunition through the use of intermediaries.
India's Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said in Moscow last December that India and Russia have a strong relationship.
Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, noted progress in discussions about making military equipment together.
Public Opinion and Trade
A Pew poll from August 2023 showed that 57% of Indians see Russia in a positive light, and 59% trust Vladimir Putin.
Regarding economic relations, 71% of Indians think access to Russian oil and gas is more important than taking a tough stance on Russia over Ukraine.
Trade between Russia and India has reached new highs, as reported by RIA Novosti in October 2023.
