By Krishn Kaushik NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow,

The transfer of ammunition to support Ukraine’s defence against the Russian offensive has reportedly been occurring for more than a year.

European clients are sending Ukraine casing for artillery shells produced in India. Reuters reported that India remains passive to Russia's protests, citing eleven sources from the governments of India, the European Union, and the defense sector.

NEW DELHI, (REUTERS) – Artillery shells sold by Indian arms makers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop the trade despite protests from Moscow, according to 11 Indian and European government and defense industry officials, as well as a Reuters analysis of commercially available customs data.

Artillery ammunition manufactured in India is being diverted to Ukraine "despite protests from Moscow," Reuters reported on Sept. 19, citing customs data and nearly a dozen Indian and European government and defense industry officials.

India’s arms export regulations prohibit unauthorised transfers, but violations appear to have occurred as European nations like Italy and the Czech Republic purchased shells from India and supplied them to Ukraine.

The transfer of munitions to support Ukraine's defence against Russia has occurred for more than a year, according to the sources and the customs data. Indian arms export regulations limit the use of weaponry to the declared purchaser,

Indian-made artillery shells, sold by local weapons manufacturers, have been redirected by European buyers to Ukraine, despite Moscow's objections. New Delhi has chosen not to intervene to halt the trade,