Explosive Deal: India's High-Risk Trade with Russian Defense Firms

An Indian company exported $1.4 million of HMX, a compound used in military explosives, to Russia. Despite U.S. sanction warnings, firms like Promsintez and HTIS received the shipments. India's enduring trade ties with Russia pose challenges amid geopolitical tensions, especially with the U.S. urging caution against supporting Russia's military industry.

An Indian corporation exported $1.4 million in HMX, a militarily significant explosive compound, to Russia last December amid U.S. sanction threats. Reuters, citing Indian customs data, indicates that Russian firms like Promsintez, with known military affiliations, received these shipments.

The U.S. has deemed HMX critical for Russia's military pursuits in Ukraine. The Pentagon lists HMX's applications in missile warheads and advanced military systems. Despite geopolitical pressures, India's sustained economic relationship with Moscow challenges U.S.-India ties as New Delhi balances its Western alliances and traditional partnerships.

Additionally, Indian officials assert compliance with non-proliferation obligations, citing limited civilian applications for HMX, while the U.S. continues discouraging military cooperation with Russian entities, risking sanctions. Despite past sanctions under Biden, the current U.S. government treads carefully, balancing geopolitical dynamics.