An Indian company shipped approximately $1.4 million worth of HMX, a potent explosive with military applications, to Russia in December. This occurred despite U.S. warnings of sanctions for entities supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. U.S. officials have identified HMX, also known as octogen, as crucial for Russia’s military operations. The chemical compound is essential for missile and torpedo warheads, rocket engines, and advanced explosive projectiles.
One of the Russian recipients, Promsintez, is identified as an explosive manufacturer with links to the Russian army, according to a Ukrainian security service official. Ukraine previously targeted a Promsintez factory with a drone attack in April.
India’s Balancing Act: Russia Ties Amid U.S. Pressure
This previously unreported HMX sale highlights India’s complex geopolitical position. While strengthening ties with the United States to counter China’s influence, India has maintained its historical military and economic connections with Moscow. India’s trade with Russia, particularly oil purchases, has remained robust despite Western sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s war economy.
The U.S. Treasury has the authority to sanction entities involved in selling HMX to Russia. HMX is classified as a “high explosive,” designed for rapid detonation and maximum destructive impact. While the U.S. aims to bolster its strategic partnership with India, it has also consistently communicated that companies engaging with Russia’s defense sector risk U.S. sanctions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that its exports of dual-use items consider international non-proliferation obligations and a robust regulatory framework. A U.S. State Department spokesperson noted the ongoing frank dialogue with India on its relationship with Russia, reiterating that businesses dealing with the Russian military industrial base face potential sanctions.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, confirmed that Promstez has been on Ukraine’s radar due to past cooperation with Indian firms. He acknowledged that while India isn’t typically a hub for sanctions evasion, isolated incidents can occur.
Indian customs data revealed that Ideal Detonators Private Limited shipped two HMX consignments in December, both arriving in St. Petersburg. One shipment, valued at $405,200, was purchased by High Technology Initiation Systems. The second, exceeding $1 million, went to Promsintez. Both Russian firms are located in the Samara Oblast region.
An Indian government official confirmed the shipments, noting that while HMX is primarily known for military uses, it has some limited civilian applications. The U.S. government, particularly under former President Donald Trump, has previously threatened significant tariffs on countries trading with Russia. While sanctions on Indian entities have been applied moderately due to geopolitical considerations, the U.S. stance on future actions against companies trading with the Russian defense industry remains uncertain.
Jason Prince, a partner at a Washington-based law firm, commented that the U.S. typically prefers private communication with allies regarding concerns and resorts to punitive measures as a last resort.
