US State Department sanctions Brahmos' Russian partner

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 11

The Russian military company, Aviazapchast, on Friday it's sanction by the US State Department would not affect the dealing with Indian partners, such as Brahmos, the Department of Space, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Last month, the US State Department had sanctioned five Chinese and Russian companies, including Aviazapchast, for alleged violation of the regime of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

In a statement, Aviazapchast assured its Indian partners of continued business operations as the US State Department’s determination "has no legal impact in India and sanctions imposed by the US does not have an extraterritorial application".

"Thus, it has no tangible ramifications in the Indian jurisdiction and does not affect trade between entities in the Republic of India and the Russian company in any manner,’’ said the statement by its India office.

The US State Department has said, that the five companies would be sanctioned for two years for trading with North Korea, Syria and Iran, in items, that could materially contribute to WMD or cruise and ballistic missile systems.

Aviazapchast called the decision devoid of any factual basis and recalled its 50 years of trade with India during which it complied with international treaties and Indian laws.

This excludes the possibility to trade any types of weapons and military equipment or being engaged in any other but non-military sector.

The company said it has made a representation to the US State Department pointing out that a harsh decision has been imposed without asking it for an explanation.

A private entity, it provides aviation technical equipment, civil and dual-use materials and carries out aircraft repairs and assemblies. In its earlier avatar as “Aviazagranpostavka,” it had serviced aircraft exported from the Soviet Union. 

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