Indian firm accused of supplying steel for Israeli artillery
Palestine advocacy groups urge India to halt shipments they say could support Israeli artillery production during Gaza genocide
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Palestine advocacy activists and solidarity groups have accused an Indian steel company of supplying material allegedly linked to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, intensifying scrutiny over India’s growing trade and defense ties with Israel during the genocide.
A report released by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement alleges that multiple shipments of military-grade steel originating from India are being transported to Israel through Mediterranean ports and could be used to manufacture thousands of artillery shells.
According to the analysis, the shipments originate from R L Steels & Energy Limited and are transported from Daulatabad to Nhava Sheva port near Mumbai before being moved aboard vessels operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company.
Activists claim 23 containers carrying up to 600 tons of steel are currently in transit toward Israeli ports through Greece and Italy. The material could allegedly be converted into around 13,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells, a caliber heavily used by Israeli forces during bombardments in Gaza.
The groups allege the steel is ultimately destined for Israeli weapons manufacturers including Elbit Systems and IMI Systems, which they describe as central suppliers for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The report further accuses India of deepening its economic and defense relationship with Israel despite mounting international criticism over the war in Gaza, which rights groups and many governments have described as involving possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Activists highlighted that India-Israel ties expanded significantly following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, with Indian companies continuing to engage in commercial and defense-linked partnerships.
The International Court of Justice previously said there exists a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocidal acts, though the court has not issued a final ruling on the genocide case.
The BDS movement has called on Indian authorities to investigate and halt further exports of military and dual-use materials to Israel. The campaign also urged governments and port authorities in Mediterranean countries to block or confiscate shipments allegedly linked to Israel’s military supply chain.
Labor resistance against the shipments has also emerged in Europe. Greek dock workers have announced they will refuse to unload vessels carrying steel bound for Israel, while activists in Italy, Spain and Portugal have launched campaigns aimed at disrupting maritime supply routes connected to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The report noted that Indian civil society groups and lawyers had previously urged New Delhi to suspend arms-related exports to Israel during the conflict. In 2024, Indian dock unions also reportedly refused to load certain weapons shipments destined for Israel.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
