A fresh source of contention in U.S.-India relations was recently created when the U.S. sanctioned 19 Indian firms and two Indian citizens for allegedly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
As part of larger penalties, Indian nationals Vivek Kumar Mishra and Sudhir Kumar, directors of Delhi-based Ascend Aviation India, are among almost 400 international organizations accused of aiding Russia’s military endeavors. It is believed that their company provided Russia with aircraft parts. These penalties come after similar measures taken against Indian businesses in the past few years, such as Si2 Microsystems, which was fined for allegedly sending sensitive technology with U.S. origins to Russia without the required clearance.
A complicated geopolitical scenario is reflected in the move. Allegations that an Indian national was involved in an assassination plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil have also put U.S.-India ties to the test.
More pressure is coming from U.S. officials who are demanding “meaningful accountability” in the case.
The need for Indian companies to adhere to international sanctions on Russia was underlined by U.S.
Ambassador Eric Garcetti in June 2023, highlighting the fine line between advancing U.S.-Indian relations and handling complex foreign affairs.