An Indian company, Ideal Detonators Private Limited, has come under scrutiny for shipping $1.4 million worth of an explosive compound, octogen (HMX), to Russia in December 2024. The shipment occurred despite warnings from the United States against supplying Russia with materials that could support its war efforts in Ukraine.

HMX, also known as octogen, is a powerful explosive widely used in the production of warheads, shells, and solid rocket fuel. It is a crucial component in various military applications, including missile warheads, torpedo systems, rocket propulsion units, and sophisticated military explosive devices. The U.S. government has identified HMX as "critical for Russia's war effort" and has cautioned financial institutions against facilitating any sales of the substance to Moscow. The U.S. Treasury Department has the authority to impose sanctions on parties involved in the transfer of such materials to Russia.

Ideal Detonators has stated that it complies with Indian rules and that the shipment was for civilian industrial purposes, not for military use. The company claims the material shipped was not military grade and was intended for industrial activity and civil explosives.

The recipients of the HMX were two Russian companies: Promsintez and CJSC VSI – High-Tech Initiation Systems. Promsintez, an explosives manufacturer, has ties to the Russian military, according to a Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) official. The SBU official also stated that a drone attack was launched against a Promsintez-owned factory in April 2025. According to the Indian customs data reviewed by Reuters, Promsintez purchased over $1 million worth of the shipment, while CJSC VSI paid $405,000.

India's 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. An Indian official familiar with the transactions noted that besides its primary military applications, the compound has some civilian uses.

This shipment has sparked debate due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential for U.S. sanctions. While India has strengthened its ties with the United States to balance China's growing influence, it has not abandoned its longstanding military and economic relationships with Moscow. Trade between India and Russia, particularly India's purchases of Russian oil, remains steady despite Western countries' attempts to cripple Russia's war economy through sanctions. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of $68.7 billion in the Financial Year 2024-25.

The U.S. State Department did not comment on the specific shipments identified by Reuters but reiterated that it has repeatedly warned India that companies involved in military-related business face the risk of sanctions.