German Government in Talks to Acquire Military Supplies from India – Sky Bulletin
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In efforts to tackle ammunition shortages, Germany has engaged in “discreet negotiations” with India, as reported by Der Spiegel on February 26. India is believed to have a significant stockpile of artillery shells, with “several hundred thousand rounds” that may aid in replenishing dwindling supplies.
Following encouragement from Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, on February 19, Germany and other EU states are exploring avenues to procure ammunition for Ukraine from sources outside the European bloc, prioritizing affordability and expediency.
As the United States grapples with a legislative deadlock over a $61 billion aid package, Ukraine is at risk of facing an acute shortage of defense equipment, particularly shells and air defenses, within mere weeks.
Beyond the EU borders, Berlin has cast a wider net looking for suppliers. As per Der Spiegel, this includes countries in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa. A team of military officials, diplomats, and civil servants is actively identifying potential suppliers for consideration every fortnight.
Given India’s cordial relations with Russia, the negotiations undertaken by Germany are being carried out with a high level of discretion, Der Spiegel added.
In parallel developments, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, has suggested that Europe should halt ammunition exports to all third countries except Ukraine to mitigate the supply shortage. This statement appeared in an interview with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) on February 26.
A potential resolution is for Germany to acquire the required ammunition through intermediary channels, as mentioned by Der Spiegel.
Amid this backdrop, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow in December highlighted the robustness of Indo-Russian relations, and the progress in discussions regarding the joint production of military gear.
An August 2023 Pew poll revealed a favorable Indian perspective on Russia and President Vladimir Putin, while a substantial portion of the population prioritizes access to Russian oil and gas reserves over taking a hardline stance against the country over its actions in Ukraine.
As India’s trade with Russia reaches an all-time high, the implications of continued Russian oil exports to countries like India and China demonstrate a persistent support for Moscow’s campaign in Ukraine, despite Western sanctions.
Russia’s oil revenue remains buoyant due to significant sales to China and India, indicating that Western attempts at sanctioning its energy sector have been less effective than intended.
FAQs about Germany’s Negotiations for Ammunition with India
- Why is Germany seeking ammunition from India?
- Germany is seeking ammunition from India to help address the critical shortages faced by Ukraine as existing sources of aid have been stalled or depleted.
- How is Germany conducting these negotiations?
- Germany is conducting the negotiations with India discreetly due to India’s friendly ties with Moscow.
- Has there been any progress in the negotiations?
- While specific details of progress are not disclosed, the negotiations are part of an ongoing effort to secure more ammunition supplies for Ukraine.
- What is the broader context of India’s position in this situation?
- India maintains strong economic and military ties with Russia, which is reflected in India’s public opinion and trade relationships.
- What has been the stance of the EU’s top diplomat on this matter?
- Josep Borrell has urged EU member states to procure necessary ammunition from outside the bloc if it proves to be better, cheaper, and quicker.
Conclusion
With the urgency of addressing Ukraine’s looming ammunition crisis, Germany’s discreet approach to securing artillery shells from India is a testament to the complex geopolitical considerations and international alliances at play. The unfolding negotiations reflect the multifaceted challenges that arise when balancing diplomatic relations, military needs, and the exigencies of supporting a country in a protracted conflict. As Germany continues to explore various avenues for procurement, the outcome of these talks could be a critical factor in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of ongoing aggression.
Note: While TheUBJ is not the creator of the original news content, the information provided above has been adapted and sourced from various internet platforms using AI news feed technology. The original article referenced is https://kyivindependent.com/der-spiegel-germany-india-ammunition/, which should be consulted for more detailed reporting and context.
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