India Exported $1.4M Military-Grade Explosives to Russia Amid U.S. Sanctions Warnings

An Indian company exported $1.4 million worth of HMX, a high-explosive compound widely used in missiles, torpedoes, and rocket warheads, to Russia in December, according to Indian customs data reviewed by Reuters. The shipments were made despite U.S. threats to sanction entities aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Recipients included Russian explosives maker Promsintez, which Ukraine’s SBU security service links to Moscow’s military and claims was targeted in an April drone strike, and High Technology Initiation Systems (HTIS), a subsidiary of Spanish firm Maxam, controlled by New York-based Rhone Capital. Both companies are based in Samara Oblast, near Kazakhstan.

The U.S. government has identified HMX as critical for Russia’s war effort and has warned financial institutions against facilitating such sales. Although HMX also has limited civilian applications, it is classified as a dual-use material due to its destructive potential.

India’s foreign ministry stated that all dual-use exports comply with its non-proliferation obligations and regulatory framework. Washington, while refraining from commenting on specific shipments, has repeatedly cautioned allies, including India, that companies dealing with Russia’s defense industry risk U.S. sanctions.

India has deepened ties with the U.S. to counter China’s influence but continues significant trade with Russia, particularly in crude oil. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, increasing pressure on New Delhi.

While some Indian entities faced sanctions under the Biden administration, measures have slowed under Trump. Analysts say Washington prefers private diplomatic engagement with India, reserving punitive action as a last resort. The shipments underscore the delicate balance India maintains between strategic partnerships with the U.S. and longstanding defense ties with Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.