Firms sanctioned by US 'not in violation of Indian law': Ministry of External Affairs

New Delhi: In the wake of the US imposing sanctions on several individuals and entities, including from India, for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial base, the MEA Saturday said New Delhi is in touch with Washington to clarify issues.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, in response to a query during his weekly briefing, also said, its understanding is that the sanctioned transactions and companies are "not in violation of Indian laws".

"India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and non-proliferation controls. We are also a member of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes -- the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology and Control Regime, and have been effectively implementing relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC Resolution 1540 on non-proliferation," he added.

However, in keeping with India's established non-proliferation credentials, "we are working with all relevant departments and agencies" to sensitise Indian companies on applicable export control provisions and also inform them on new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances, he said.

The MEA spokesperson also said that regular strategic trade, export control outreach events for Indian industry and stakeholders are being carried out by agencies of the government of India.

The US has imposed sanctions on 275 individuals and entities, including 15 from India, for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial base.

The US Department of Treasury said in a statement on Thursday that companies from China, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkiye have also been slapped with sanctions for supplying Russia with advanced technology and equipment that it desperately needs to support its war machine.

In addition to disrupting global evasion networks, this action also targets domestic Russian importers and producers of key inputs and other material for Russia's military-industrial base, the statement said.

Jaiswal on Saturday said, "We have seen these reports of US sanctions." "We are also in touch with the US authorities to clarify issues," he added.

As per the list released by the Department of Treasury, the India-based companies are Abhar Technologies and Services Private Limited; Denvas Services Private Limited; Emsystech; Galaxy Bearings Ltd; Orbit Fintrade LLP; Innovio Ventures; KDG Engineering Private Limited; and Khushbu Honing Private Limited.

The Indian companies also include Lokesh Machines Limited; Pointer Electronics; RRG Engineering Technologies Private Limited; Sharpline Automation Private Limited; Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited; Shreegee Impex Private Limited; and Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited.

Responding to a question on reports of an Indian private industrial giant asking Bangladesh to pay its dues to continue getting power supply from it, Jaiswal said, "This issue is between two parties. A contractual obligation is between the two sides, one is a private organisation and the other is a government of Bangladesh." "The Indian government has no role in this contract. So, I have nothing more to share on this at the moment," he said.

On the issue of safety of Indian workers in Israel amid the West Asia conflict, Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy there is in regular touch with them, and added that a travel advisory was also issued earlier.

There is a big Indian community there, and about 25,000-30,000 people work there, he said.