An Indian private firm has come under global scrutiny after reportedly exporting military-grade explosives to Russia, ignoring explicit warnings from the United States. The revelation raises questions about India’s role in the complex global supply chains supporting Moscow’s ongoing war effort in Ukraine.
According to trade data and multiple international reports, Ideal Detonators Pvt. Ltd., based in Telangana, shipped high-energy explosive materials, specifically HMX (also known as octogen), to Russian entities in December 2023. HMX is a powerful compound often used in advanced weapon systems including missiles, rocket motors, torpedoes, and nuclear weapons.
The shipment, valued at around 1.4 million U.S. dollars, was delivered to Russian firms Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems, both located in the Samara region. These companies have been linked to Russia’s defense industry, and one of them was reportedly targeted in a Ukrainian drone strike earlier this year.
The U.S. government had previously issued warnings to financial institutions and trading partners to avoid dealings involving sensitive dual-use or military items that could support Russia’s military-industrial complex. Despite this, the shipment went ahead, prompting concerns in Washington. HMX is among the materials identified by the U.S. as critical for Russia's war effort.
India, while maintaining neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has strong historical ties with Russia and continues to engage in defense and energy trade. However, the U.S. State Department has cautioned countries like India about the risk of secondary sanctions if they continue to supply militarily sensitive goods to Russia. The United States has previously sanctioned several Indian companies for similar transactions, though it has largely opted for diplomatic dialogue rather than aggressive enforcement.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by stating that the country remains committed to international non-proliferation norms and that all exports are made in accordance with India’s stringent legal and regulatory frameworks. There has been no indication so far that the company violated Indian laws.
The shipment adds pressure on India to clarify its export controls and balance its strategic relationships. With global tensions rising and the Russia-Ukraine war showing no signs of abating, incidents like this could further complicate India’s position on the international stage.