An Indian firm, Ideal Detonators Private Limited, has reportedly shipped $1.4 million worth of HMX (octogen), a high-explosive compound with military applications, to Russia in December 2024, despite warnings from the United States regarding potential sanctions. This shipment is the first publicly reported sale of HMX to Russian companies. The transaction has raised concerns given the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's war economy.
HMX, also known as octogen, is a powerful explosive used in various military systems, including missile and torpedo warheads, rocket motors, exploding projectiles, and plastic-bonded explosives for advanced military systems. US officials have identified HMX as "critical for Russia's war effort" and have cautioned against its sale to Moscow.
The Indian company, based in Telangana, sent two separate consignments of HMX. One shipment, valued at over $1 million, was delivered to Promsintez, a Russian defense manufacturer with ties to Russia's military efforts. The other shipment, worth $405,200, was purchased by High Technology Initiation Systems, another Russian defense contractor. Both companies are located in the Samara region, near Kazakhstan. According to a Ukrainian Security Service official, Promsintez has ties to the Russian military, and a Promsintez-owned factory was allegedly targeted in a drone strike by Ukraine in April.
The US government has repeatedly warned its allies, including India, that conducting business with Russia's military-industrial complex could result in US sanctions. The US State Department reiterated that companies engaging in military-related business with Russia are at risk of sanctions. However, it has not commented on the specifics of the HMX shipments. A spokesperson stated, "India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including on India's relationship with Russia". The US has avoided taking significant action against India due to its strategic partnership, particularly in counterbalancing China's influence.
The revelation of these shipments has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials, who have expressed concerns about India's involvement in facilitating Russia's war. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, a key advisor to President Zelenskyy, confirmed that Promsintez has been under scrutiny for cooperation with Indian companies.
The Indian government has defended its actions, asserting that its exports comply with international regulations. An Indian official stated that dual-use items like HMX have both civilian and military applications. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the export of dual-use goods by domestic manufacturers is conducted in accordance with existing laws and international non-proliferation commitments.
Despite the US warnings and potential sanctions, India has maintained its long-standing military and economic relationship with Russia, even as it strengthens ties with the United States. Trade between the two countries, particularly India's purchase of Russian oil, has remained steady.
