India has strongly rejected allegations made in a report by a US-based publication that claimed an Indian defence public sector unit (PSU) sold imported equipment to a Russian arms supplier, calling the report “factually incorrect and misleading.” Government sources accused the publication of twisting facts to suit a political narrative and dismissed any implication of misconduct.
The article in question linked an Indian company to the transfer of restricted technology to Russia, allegedly in violation of global export norms. Indian officials countered that the report ignored India’s strict compliance with international trade regulations. “The Indian entity mentioned in the report has scrupulously followed all its international obligations on strategic trade controls and end-user commitments,” a senior government official stated.
The New York Times report claimed that between 2023 and 2024, UK-based H R Smith Group supplied aerospace equipment to Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), which it described as Russia’s key trading partner in defense. The report alleged that shortly after receiving the equipment, HAL exported parts bearing identical product codes to a Russian buyer linked to Rosoboronexport.
However, even the report acknowledged the absence of direct evidence that the UK-made components reached Russia. It merely noted that in some cases, HAL received goods from H R Smith and, within days, exported parts with matching product codes to Russia.
Indian authorities were unequivocal in their response. “India has a well-established system of strategic trade controls and non-proliferation commitments that guide all commercial defence transactions,” a source said, adding that the regulatory framework is both ‘robust’ and fully aligned with global norms.
The government also criticised the report’s framing, expressing disappointment over what it described as a lack of journalistic rigour. “We expect reputed media outlets to undertake due diligence before making such claims, which was clearly overlooked in this case,” the official added.
India is a signatory to multiple non-proliferation regimes, including the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group. Officials view the report as an attempt to undermine India’s independent defence strategy at a time when it is managing its longstanding defence relationship with Russia while deepening ties with Western powers.
The allegations come amid heightened international scrutiny of the global arms trade, driven by rising geopolitical tensions. India’s firm rebuttal signals its resolve to protect its strategic autonomy and safeguard its international reputation. According to officials, the country’s defence exports remain tightly regulated, and its policies reflect a commitment to responsible and transparent military trade practices.
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