China and India support Russia's military while ignoring sanctions

In recent months, both China and India have drawn international scrutiny for their role in supporting Russia amid its ongoing military conflict. Various reports indicate that both nations have been actively bypassing or disregarding Western sanctions, including the use of front companies. Among the most significant revelations was a $1.4 million explosive compound sales agreement between an Indian private firm and Russian entities linked to the military. This includes a substantial $1 million deal with Promsintez, a company recognized for its connections to the Russian military. Moreover, the findings revealed a purchase of $400,000 worth of explosives made by a Russian underground mining firm that may potentially support military operations. The investigations further disclosed that Chinese companies are providing crucial components for Russia's drone manufacturing. Specifically, engines manufactured in China were shipped to the Russian weapons manufacturer IEMZ Kupol under the guise of being industrial refrigeration units, thereby evading the sanctions aimed at cutting off drone supplies essential for military operations. The production of the Garpiya-A1 attack drone, which has been employed in strikes against both civilian and military targets in Ukraine, is anticipated to surge as Kupol has entered a contract with the Russian defense ministry to manufacture 6,000 drones throughout the year, significantly increasing from the 2,000 produced in the previous year. In response to the sanctions imposed by Western nations, both China and India insist that their activities do not breach national laws, even while being at odds with international observers. The U.S., in particular, has issued numerous sanctions against various entities believed to be involved in supporting the Russian war effort, with a focus on Chinese individuals and companies. Despite these measures, China's support for Russia appears unwavering, as evidenced by ongoing shipments of military-related technology. India, being a significant purchaser of Russian oil, also finds itself under increased pressure to comply with international sanctions, especially with recent EU mandates targeting Indian refineries reliant on this oil. As geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict continue to evolve, the implications of such ongoing support from China and India raise questions about the effectiveness of international sanctions on curtailing Russia’s military capabilities. While the situation continues to develop, the U.S. State Department has not yet provided any information regarding efforts to curb sanction evasion. There are concerns that the likelihood of increased sanctions against Indian and Chinese companies is imminent, particularly as the U.S. has expressed intentions to impose strict repercussions on nations engaged in the purchase of Russian oil. The complexity of international relations amidst the ongoing conflict necessitates closer scrutiny and firm engagement from global leaders who are advocating for peace and stability.