Why is America banning 19 Indian companies and 2 citizens?
#News Bureau, November1,2024
When India and China started improving their relations on the LAC, the US was imposing sanctions on many Indian companies and some people. Diplomatic relations between India and the US are already not good over the conspiracy to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and now America has taken another action. So the question is why did the US take this action and will this further worsen America’s relations with India?
Before answering these questions, let us know what the latest action has been taken by the US. According to a report by The Indian Express, the United States on Wednesday put 19 private firms of India and two Indian citizens on the list who will face sanctions. This list prepared by the US includes about 400 institutions and individuals from many countries. They have been put on this list for their alleged role in assisting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
According to the report, announcing sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the State Department said on Wednesday, ‘The United States is today imposing sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals for supporting Russia in its illegal war campaign. In this action, the State Department is imposing sanctions on more than 120 individuals and entities. Along with this, the Treasury Department is designating more than 270 individuals and entities. The Commerce Department is also adding 40 entities to its list. ‘
It said that the move is aimed at preventing sanctions evasion and targeting entities in many countries including India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and UAE that sell commodities and other important dual-use goods to Russia. These include important things on which Russia depends for its weapons systems to wage war against Ukraine. ‘
The US statement said, ‘The United States will continue to use all measures to disrupt support for Russia’s military-industrial base and to pursue its war against Ukraine. This is to reduce the Kremlin’s ability to exploit the international financial system and generate revenue. The department wants to disrupt the networks and channels through which Russia purchases technology and equipment from entities in third countries to support its war efforts.’
The two Indian nationals who have been banned are Vivek Kumar Mishra and Sudhir Kumar. They are directors of Delhi-based aircraft spare parts company Ascend Aviation India.
The US action comes at a time when bilateral ties with India are already strained over allegations of an Indian national’s role in a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu on US soil. Last week, the US said it would not be fully satisfied until India’s investigation into the alleged plot leads to meaningful accountability.
This has happened at a time when the situation on the border between India and China in the Ladakh region is improving. On Wednesday itself, news came that India and China have completed the process of withdrawing troops from Demchok and Depsang in Ladakh on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). On Thursday, news came that the soldiers of both the countries have exchanged sweets. Now the Indian and Chinese armies have resumed patrolling in Demchok and Depsang in Ladakh on the LAC on Thursday.
India had announced on October 21 that it had signed an agreement with China to patrol the LAC. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had made this announcement. This development took place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to visit Russia for the 16th BRICS summit on October 22-23. Misri had said that they are moving towards withdrawal and resolving the issues that arose in these areas in 2020.
