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International Desk //

The United States has imposed sanctions against 398 companies and individuals from multiple countries accused of helping Russia in its war with Ukraine. This includes 19 Indian companies. There are two Indian nationals. However, the names of the two men were not immediately known.

The United States announced this ban on Wednesday. Four Indian companies like Russia, China, Turkey, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland also fall under this ban. Allegedly, these organizations have helped Russia in the war against Ukraine by sending necessary goods.

The US State Department said it has imposed sanctions on 120 individuals and organizations. The Treasury Department has identified 270 individuals and organizations. Apart from this, the Ministry of Commerce has also specified 40 companies.

Ascent Aviation India Private Limited is one of the 19 private companies in India. Allegedly, from March 2023 to March 2024, they supplied various products including military parts to the Russian-based company more than seven hundred times. They include more than $200,000 worth of Common High Priority Listed (CHPL) products. These products are essential in conducting war.

This same product is supplied by another Indian company. Name Mask Trans. They supplied equipment worth $300,000 to a Russian company under US sanctions. The other two companies are Futrevo and Shreya Life Sciences Pvt.

The United States alleges that a total of 19 organizations have supported Russia’s military activities in various ways. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the export of defense equipment of those companies to Russia has suddenly increased. Futrevo has delivered over $1.4 million worth of electrical equipment. Everyone’s transactions have been done without sanctions.

The United States has said that Russia is using the international economy as it wants by avoiding sanctions. They also continue to profit from the war against Ukraine. The US is trying to stop the way they are importing technical assistance and parts.

Earlier, the Indian company had caught the attention of the US. A company called ‘SI2 Microsystems’ was banned in 2023. The company allegedly supplied circuits to the Russian military to evade sanctions.

The US sanctions were announced on a day when India and China announced they would withdraw face-to-face military positions to preserve the status quo and de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The time when the US presidential election is also knocking on the door. In this situation, the National Security Advisor of India spoke to the US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan.
The United States has accused India of involvement in a conspiracy to kill Gurupatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice. A New York court has also recently summoned Ajit Doval for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. In this situation, the Doval-Sullivan talk is significant.