New Delhi/IBNS: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (Sept. 19) dismissed reports claiming Indian defence exports have been diverted to Ukraine, labeling them as "speculative and misleading."

In an official statement, the MEA emphasized India's strong record of adhering to international regulations regarding the export of military and dual-use goods.

"We have reviewed the Reuters report, and it is speculative and misleading. It suggests violations by India where none exist, making the claims inaccurate and mischievous. India has an impeccable history of compliance with international obligations concerning military and dual-use exports," according to an MEA statement.

The statement further clarified that India's defense exports are conducted in accordance with its international commitments to non-proliferation.

These exports are governed by a strict legal and regulatory framework that includes a comprehensive assessment of criteria such as end-user obligations and certifications.

The MEA's response came shortly after a Reuters report alleged that artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers had been rerouted by European buyers to Ukraine.

The report claimed that despite objections from Russia, India had not intervened to halt the trade.

According to the report, which cited anonymous government and defense industry sources, this transfer of munitions to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia has been ongoing for over a year.

However, Reuters also noted that the volume of ammunition from India was minimal, with one source estimating it at less than 1 percent of Ukraine’s total arms imports since the war began.