New Delhi: India has become the second-largest supplier of critical technologies to Russia, presenting challenges to Western efforts aimed at curtailing Russian military capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These developments mark a significant shift in the dynamics of international sanctions and export controls.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this trend has been identified through substantial increases in the exports of sensitive items from India, including microchips, circuits, and machine tools. Reports indicate that exports, which totaled more than $60 million each in April and May, surged to $95 million in July, positioning India just behind China in terms of the volume of such critical exports to Russia.
US and European authorities have expressed concerns over the fact that nearly one-fifth of the technology used in Russia’s military-industrial complex now originates from India. Despite diplomatic efforts, responses from Indian officials have reportedly been minimal, leading to growing frustrations among Ukraine’s allies.
The US State Department announced plans to reiterate these concerns directly to Indian government officials and businesses involved in these exports. The focus of these discussions is expected to revolve around a specific list of technologies deemed essential for Russian weaponry.
As efforts intensify to block traditional and emerging transshipment routes used to funnel restricted goods to Russia, including those via Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, new hubs like India, Malaysia, and Thailand have come under scrutiny. This development poses complex challenges for US and EU policymakers who are keen on strengthening ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, despite its deepening connections with Russia.
Moreover, India’s significant purchases of Russian oil are seen as undermining attempts to restrict Moscow’s energy sales, a key economic strategy employed by the allies. The accumulation of rupees from these sales has further enabled Russia to sustain its engagements with India, including the acquisition of restricted technologies.
In light of these complications, US and EU sanctions bodies have intensified their focus on India in recent months. High-level visits by officials aim to persuade Indian authorities to reduce these shipments. The situation has already led to sanctions against several Indian companies, highlighting the risks highlighted by US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo to Indian industry leaders regarding their engagements with Russia’s military sectors.