The article reports on Indian companies shipping explosives to Russia, despite US warnings. The report highlights that India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and has fostered an economic relationship with Moscow. The shipment of octogen, also known as HMX, was reported by Reuters on July 24, citing data from Indian customs.
The article mentions that Promsintez, an explosives producer linked to the Russian military, received the explosive substance. According to the Pentagon’s Defense Technical Information Center and related defense research programs, octogen is commonly used in missile and torpedo warheads, rocket engines, explosive shells, and plastic explosives for advanced military systems.
The US government has labeled the substance “critical for Russia’s military efforts” and has warned financial institutions against enabling its sales to Moscow. India has resisted U.S. pressure to distance itself from Moscow, preserving its decades-old defense and economic relationship with Russia.
The article also mentions that the US Treasury Department has the authority to sanction entities involved in the sale of octogen and similar materials to Russia, but there is no indication that the shipments violated Indian government policy.
