The European Union has expressed concern with India over the alleged involvement of some Indian entities in supplying Russia with “high priority” items with potential military applications in violation of Western sanctions, a news agency reported. PTI The report cited sources familiar with the matter.
EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan said he visited India in October to discuss “systemic solutions” with Indian authorities to stop the “illegal flow” of these critical goods to Russia.
However, India has not yet responded to the issue but has said that it will not accept unilateral sanctions, accepting only UN-imposed recognition.
“I visited India for the second time in October 2024 to discuss systemic solutions with the Indian authorities to stop the illicit flow of common high priority items to Russia,” O’Sullivan said in response to a question.
These disclosures follow Washington has imposed sanctions on 19 Indian private companies Accused of supplying Russia with “dual-use” technologies.
As reported by PTISources within the EU noted that two India-based entities, Si2 Microsystems Pvt Ltd and Innovio Ventures, are already subject to “specific export restrictions”. India has reportedly sought more information from the EU regarding these allegations.
“Many of the third countries I have visited have implemented special mechanisms to address this issue. Russia’s brutal and illegal aggression in Ukraine is an existential threat to the EU,” O’Sullivan noted. We will continue to do so.”
O’Sullivan added that Russia is now paying about 130% more for semiconductors and 300% more for second-hand machine tools due to sanctions, underscoring the effectiveness of these measures.
The EU is currently negotiating a 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including a list of ships allegedly involved in a “shadow fleet” and entities that supply “battlefield items” to Russia. These items, the sources said, increase the accuracy and lethality of Russian military equipment.
India has defended its stance, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) saying none of the sanctioned Indian companies violated domestic laws. India has a strong legal and regulatory framework for strategic trade and non-proliferation controls.
India is a member of major multilateral export control regimes, including the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group, and the Missile Technology Control Arrangement. MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India will continue to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and conduct regular outreach with industries on strategic trade controls.
(With information from PTI)