China and India have once again been found supporting Russia’s war effort by sidestepping Western sanctions—often through the use of front companies, according to a new Reuters investigation this week.
Both nations, already under scrutiny for their refusal to condemn Moscow’s actions, have intensified their economic and industrial engagements with Russian entities.
One of the most notable findings includes a $1.4 million explosives compound sales agreement between a private Indian firm and two Russian companies. Of this, $1 million was sent to Promsintez, a company that has documented ties to the Russian military. An additional $400,000 worth of explosives was reportedly purchased by High Technology Initiation Systems, a Russian underground mining company. Reuters said it’s unclear whether the latter is suspected of using dual-use technologies to bolster President Vladimir Putin’s military objectives.
Explosives, Drone Engines, and Loopholes
The report also highlights China’s deeper involvement in aiding Russia’s battlefield capabilities. Chinese-made engines used in drone production were shipped to IEMZ Kupol, a Russian weapons manufacturer, to help scale up its Garpiya-A1 attack drone program. The engines were shipped under the label “industrial refrigeration units” by Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade—an apparent effort to bypass Western sanctions targeting drone-related supply chains since October 2024.
Kupol has reportedly signed a deal with Russia’s defense ministry to boost drone production to 6,000 units in 2025—tripling output from the previous year. These long-range drones have been used to strike both military and civilian targets across Ukraine.
Diplomatic Tensions and Sanctions Threats
While the U.S. has imposed hundreds of sanctions on individuals and companies globally, Chinese entities have faced the bulk of punitive actions. However, this hasn’t deterred Beijing. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy told Fox News Digital, “China has never provided lethal weapons to any party of the conflict. It exercises strict export control over dual-use articles and China’s scope and measures of export control over drones are the most stringent worldwide.”
The spokesman said, “We firmly oppose the U.S. abuse of unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ and will firmly safeguard its lawful rights and interests.”
On the other hand, a US State Department spokesperson refuted China’s claims, stating, “China is the major enabler of Russia’s war in Ukraine,” and added, “China provides nearly 80% of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war.” Citing Senator Rubio, the official continued, “The Chinese clearly have been supportive of the Russian effort… they’ve been willing to help them as much as they can without getting caught.”
India’s Role Under Fresh Scrutiny
While the Indian embassy did not respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiries, U.S. officials have warned of consequences. A State Department spokesperson noted, “India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including on India’s relationship with Russia.” He further warned, “Any foreign company or financial institution that does business with Russia’s military industrial base is at risk of U.S. sanctions.”
US President Donald Trump has already threatened 100% sanctions on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil if Putin doesn’t agree to a peace deal by early September—an ultimatum that could severely affect India and China, both of which are heavily reliant on Russian energy imports.
The Indian embassy in Washington D.C. has yet to issue a statement in response.