US sanctions shake up India-US relations: 19 firms in crossfire

The United States has added 19 Indian private companies and two Indian nationals to its sanctions list, which now includes nearly 400 global entities accused of supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

This move has sparked renewed tension in India-US relations, highlighting the US's increasingly aggressive approach toward third-party entities perceived as aiding Russia’s military activities, Caliber.Az reports citing Indian media.

This latest development comes at a particularly sensitive time in bilateral relations, as allegations have surfaced regarding an Indian national’s involvement in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. The US has expressed its dissatisfaction with the situation, demanding “meaningful accountability” in the ongoing investigations, thereby adding further strain to the relationship.

In announcing the sanctions, the US State Department stated that “nearly 400 entities and individuals” worldwide were targeted to disrupt support channels for Russia’s military-industrial complex.

The US Treasury Department sanctioned 270 of these entities, while the Department of Commerce placed 40 on its restricted Entity List, citing firms in China, Malaysia, the UAE, and others — including India — for allegedly supplying critical dual-use components to Russia.

Among those sanctioned were Vivek Kumar Mishra and Sudhir Kumar, directors of the Delhi-based Ascend Aviation India, which allegedly supplied aircraft spare parts to Russia. This action follows similar sanctions against Indian firms in recent years, including Si2 Microsystems, a Bengaluru-based company sanctioned last year for allegedly transferring US-origin integrated circuits to the Russian military without proper licensing.

In June 2023, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti stressed the importance of adhering to global sanctions, warning Indian companies against engaging with restricted Russian entities. Garcetti’s comments reflect the complex yet evolving relationship between India and the US, characterized by significant diplomatic and strategic progress. However, recent events highlight the ongoing challenges and the delicate balance required to sustain strong ties amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

By Tamilla Hasanova