US sanctions 19 Indian companies for 'aiding Russia's war'

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 Department of the Treasury stated that companies from China, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey were also sanctioned for providing advanced technology and equipment Russia desperately needs to support its war machine.

The Department also targeted several senior Russian Ministry of Defence officials appointed earlier this year and defence companies and those supporting Russia’s future energy production and exports. "The United States and our allies will continue to take decisive action across the globe to stop the flow of critical tools and technologies that Russia needs to wage its illegal and immoral war against Ukraine," Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said.

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

Countries including China, India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the UAE have been identified as suppliers of these critical dual-use goods that Russia uses to maintain and enhance its weapon systems.

Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the US sanctions against 19 Indian companies, stating that New Delhi is aware of these reports and emphasises its strong legal and regulatory framework for strategic trade and non-proliferation controls. Jaiswal also said that these sanctions do not appear to involve violations of Indian law by the companies in question.