EU provides information on Indian entities breaching sanctions in dealing with Russia

THE INFORMATION WAS SHARED AS PART OF EFFORTS TO FINALISE EU'S 15TH PACKAGE OF SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA

- Rezaul H Laskar

NEW DELHI: The European Union (EU) has provided information to Indian authorities about Indian entities that are apparently violating EU sanctions through their dealings in technology components with Russian firms, people familiar with the matter said.

The information was shared with India as part of the EU's ongoing contacts with third countries as part of efforts to finalize the 15th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The information was passed on to Indian authorities when the EU sanctions envoy, David O'Sullivan, visited New Delhi in October, the people said on condition of anonymity.

The 15th package of sanctions will consist of the listing of vessels that are part of the "shadow fleet" or "dark fleet" that ships Russian crude oil around the world, and entities that have been supplying "battlefield items" to Russia, the people said. The Indian side sought more information from the EU in this regard while conveying that it has the means to deal with this issue, the people said.

There was no response from Indian officials to a request for a comment on this matter.