India has reportedly become the second-largest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, according to US and European officials. This development arises as the United States and its allies struggle to limit Russia's capacity to continue its military actions in Ukraine.
Despite a ban on direct exports of most dual-use items to Russia, the country has turned to third nations for procurement, often through intermediaries and subsidiaries of Western firms. India, alongside Serbia and China, has emerged as a key player in helping Russia bypass Western sanctions.
Indian exports of restricted technologies, including microchips, circuits, and machine tools, have surged significantly, exceeding $60 million in both April and May, and reaching $95 million in July. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of the sensitive technology utilized in Russia's military-industrial complex is now sourced from India.
This situation has led to frustration among Ukraine's allies, with some US officials expressing concern that discussions with Indian counterparts have not yielded substantial results. The US State Department plans to reiterate its concerns to Indian officials and companies regarding these exports.
India's role in these shipments has drawn increased scrutiny from US and EU sanctions agencies, prompting several visits to India aimed at encouraging the government to take action against these exports. Concurrently, India has emerged as a major purchaser of Russian oil, despite efforts by allies to restrict such transactions.
India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for peace and dialogue without overtly condemning Russia. In recent diplomatic moves, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited both Kyiv and Moscow, indicating India's complex position in the ongoing crisis.