Indian firm supplies explosive used in Russian missiles despite U.S. sanctions warning
An Indian company supplied Russia with an explosive used in missiles, Reuters reported on July 24.
An Indian company sent $1.4 million worth of HMX explosives to Russia in December 2024, according to Indian customs data reviewed by Reuters.
One of the recipients was the Russian company Promsintez, which Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has linked to the Russian military sector. The SBU said in April that the Promsintez plant had been targeted in a drone attack. HMX is a powerful explosive commonly used in missile and torpedo warheads, jet engines, and other military systems.
The U.S. Department of Defense classifies HMX as a critical material for military use. The U.S. Treasury Department has previously warned of potential sanctions against those involved in its supply to Russia.
Despite closer ties with the U.S., India continues to maintain robust economic relations with Russia. The country’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil have drawn growing concern from Western nations. Donald Trump has even threatened 100% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil.
The U.S. Treasury Department reiterated that the export of HMX to Russia may fall under existing sanctions measures.
India’s Foreign Ministry said the export of dual-use goods is carried out under strict legal and regulatory frameworks and in compliance with international obligations. An Indian official told Reuters that while HMX is widely used for military purposes, it also has civilian applications.
According to Reuters, Indian company Ideal Detonators Private Limited shipped two HMX consignments to Russia’s St. Petersburg in December — one valued at $405,000 and the other over $1 million. The recipients were Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems, based in Russia’s Samara region.
Neither the Indian exporter nor the Russian firms responded to Reuters’ request for comment.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Vladyslav Vlasyuk confirmed that Promsintez has already been named in investigations into cooperation with Indian partners. Ukrainian authorities have recorded individual instances of sanctions evasion involving Indian entities.
U.S. officials told Reuters that under President Joe Biden, sanctions have been applied selectively. Under Trump, the implementation of sanctions reportedly slowed, and it remains unclear whether further action will be taken against Indian suppliers.
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