NEW DELHI: India on Thursday conveyed to the United States that it possesses a robust legal and regulatory framework governing the export of controlled and dual-use goods and technologies. This follows recent sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on 19 Indian companies and two individuals, citing their alleged role in aiding Russia’s military during the Ukraine conflict. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that India’s export controls comply fully with its international obligations on non-proliferation.
Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha reiterated India’s commitment to adhering to global standards, saying, “India actively participates in key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes (Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime) and contributes to the development and review of their control lists and guidelines.”
The Indian government has assured the US that it takes appropriate measures to prevent violations of its export regulations. “The Government sensitizes Indian companies on export controls, including through regular outreach events. We are committed to taking appropriate action against any company that contravenes Indian laws,” the MEA added.
Despite the sanctions, affected Indian firms downplayed their impact. Shreegee Impex Private Limited and TSMD Global, two of the sanctioned companies, stated that their operations remain unaffected as they have no trade links with the United States. Shreegee’s director, Praveen Tyagi, expressed confusion over the sanctions but maintained that the measures would not disrupt their business. Similarly, TSMD Global’s director, Rahul Kumar Singh, said ^{that their operations with Russia would continue unimpeded.
India also reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with the US. Singh said, “India looks forward to working closely with the incoming US Administration to further strengthen the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership towards the mutual betterment of the people of the two countries and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”}