India responds to US sanctions on Indian firms for aiding Russia: 'Not in violation of Indian laws'

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday (Nov 2) addressed the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on over a dozen Indian companies for their alleged ties to Russia amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.

On Wednesday (Oct 30), the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against nearly 400 firms and individuals from 17 countries, calling them “Third-Country Sanctions Evaders.” This list included 19 Indian companies, which, according to the US, have been assisting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

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Responding to these developments, the MEA said, “We have seen reports on US sanctions. India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and nonproliferation controls. We are also a member of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes - the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime, and have been effectively implementing relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC resolution 1540 on non-proliferation.”

MEA added, “Our understanding is that the sanctioned transactions and companies are not in violation of Indian laws. Nevertheless, in keeping with India's established non-proliferation credentials, we are working with all the relevant Indian departments and agencies to sensitise Indian companies on applicable export control provisions, as well as inform them on new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances.”

“Regular strategic trade/export control outreach events for Indian industries and stakeholders are being carried out by agencies of the Government of India. We are also in touch with the US authorities to clarify issues,” MEA said in its statement.

In addition to Indian firms, the US sanctions also targeted companies from Malaysia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Singapore, and the UAE. Among the Indian companies mentioned was Ascend Aviation India Private Limited, which, according to the US State Department, allegedly sent over 700 shipments to Russian firms from March 2023 to March 2024, including aircraft components valued at over $200,000.

Other Indian businesses listed in the sanctions include Mask Trans, TSMD Global, Elektron Komponent, and Futrevo.

This move by the US comes shortly after it named an Indian official in an alleged plot involving a foiled murder-for-hire targeting Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. With diplomatic tensions already strained, these sanctions are likely to add further challenges to US-India relations.

(With inputs from agencies)