Indian explosives firm caught selling powerful war material to Russia defends shipment
Illustrative photo: India buys Russian oil and supplies banned goods to Russia (Getty Images)
Ideal Detonators Private Limited, an Indian firm exposed for selling powerful explosives to Russia, tried to justify its actions. The company claimed the octogen sold to Russia was intended for industrial purposes, Reuters informs.
The firm responded to a query from the news agency, stating it complies with India's export regulations. It stated that the octogen, also known as HMX, was intended for "civilian-industrial purposes," not military use.
"The shipment ... is for industrial activity and it's a civil explosive," the company said.
Reuters noted that Russian firm Promsintez, which produces explosives, was listed as the recipient in Indian customs documents. The US government classified octogen as a "critical for Russia's war effort" and warned global companies against selling explosives to Russia.
"The US Treasury Department has the authority to sanction those who sell HMX and similar substances to Russia," said sanctions lawyers, Reuters added.
On July 24, it emerged that the Indian firm had delivered explosives used in missiles to Russia. The shipment of HMX explosives totaled $1.4 million. The deal was made in December 2024.
India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that exports of dual-use products are carried out in compliance with international obligations and strict legal regulations. However, the substance is on the list of items banned from shipment to Russia. The supplier risks US sanctions.
Meanwhile, India and China have become significant buyers of Russian oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Ukraine considers India hostile due to its financing of Russian terrorism, alongside China, North Korea, and Iran.
