U.S. Sanctions 19 Indian Firms, 2 Citizens

The United States has imposed sanctions on 19 Indian companies and two Indian citizens, citing allegations that they aided Russia in its war against Ukraine. This announcement was made by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State.

The U.S. has previously sanctioned various countries for similar reasons, but had refrained from significant measures against its close ally, India. Despite repeated warnings, India allegedly continued such activities, leading to this latest move placing Indian companies on the U.S. sanctions list.

The U.S. Department of State said the sanctions aim to prevent the sale of various products and dual-use items to Russia from countries including India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. These dual-use products can be used in both warfare and peacetime, and Russia relies on supplies from these countries to support its weapons systems in the ongoing war against Ukraine.

On Thursday, October 31, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on 400 individuals and entities accused of supporting Russia, which included the Indian companies and individuals.

According to an Indian Express report, one of the sanctioned companies is Ascend Aviation India Private Limited. It allegedly shipped 700 consignments to Russia from March 2023 to March 2024, including CHPL products worth $200,000, some containing U.S.-made aircraft parts.

The two individuals sanctioned are Vivek Kumar Mishra and Sudhir Kumar, both of whom are directors at Ascend Aviation India Private Limited.

Another Indian company, Mask Trans, reportedly supplied CHPL products to Russia, sending equipment worth $300,000 to sanctioned Russian entities. TSMT, another sanctioned firm, allegedly sent $430,000 worth of goods to Russia, which the U.S. believes have supported Russia’s efforts on the battlefield.