US sanctions 19 Indian companies for ‘aiding Russia’s war’ against Ukraine

The United States has announced sweeping sanctions on around 400 entities and individuals globally – including 19 from India – for their alleged roles in “supporting Russia’s ongoing war” against Ukraine.

The US Treasury Department said companies in China, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey were also sanctioned for providing advanced technology and equipment that Russia desperately needs to support its war machine.

The department also targeted several senior Russian Defense Ministry officials named earlier this year, as well as defense companies and those that support Russia’s future energy production and exports.

“The United States and our allies will continue to take decisive action around the globe to stop the flow of critical tools and technologies that Russia needs to wage its illegal and immoral war against Ukraine,” said Assistant Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo.

“As today’s action demonstrates, we are unwavering in our determination to diminish and degrade Russia’s ability to equip its war machine and to stop those who seek to aid its efforts by evading or evading our sanctions and controls to export,” Adeyemo said.

REPRESENTATION OF EVASION NETWORKS

The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to procure key technologies and components from third countries. Targeted goods include microelectronics and CNC (computer numerical control) items, which the Commerce Department has classified as priority.

Countries such as China, India, Kazakhstan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have been identified as suppliers of these critical dual-use assets that Russia uses to maintain and upgrade its weapons systems.

FOCUS ON CHINA-BASED ENTITIES

The US Treasury has expressed concern over China’s ongoing export of dual-use goods to Russia, noting that entities in China have provided Moscow with critical components, helping it make weapons and bolster its defense production .

In response, several Chinese companies that manufacture and export CNC items critical to Russia’s military industry have been designated under the new sanctions. These sanctions aim to reduce China’s role in supplying Russia’s war machines through secondary channels and sanctions evasion networks.

The department stressed that disrupting these networks is critical to undermining Russia’s defense capabilities as the war continues.

INDIA’S RESPONSE TO SANCTIONS

External Affairs Minister Randhir Jaiswal’s spokesperson commented on the US sanctions against 19 Indian companies, saying New Delhi is aware of these reports and underlines the strong legal and regulatory framework for strategic trade and non-proliferation controls.

“We have seen these US sanctions reports. India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and non-proliferation controls. We are also members of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes – the Vasinar Agreement, the Australia Group and the control of missile technology and have effectively implemented relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC Resolution 1540 on non-proliferation,” he said.

Jaiswal also said that these sanctions do not appear to involve violations of Indian law by the companies in question.

“We understand that the sanction, transactions and companies do not violate Indian laws. However, in line with India’s established non-proliferation credentials, we are working with all relevant Indian departments and agencies to sensitize Indian companies on applicable export controls. provisions and also inform them about the new measures being implemented that may impact Indian companies under certain circumstances,” he added.