Indian Company Sent Explosives for Military Use to Russia Despite US Warnings: Report
In a recent development that has raised eyebrows, an Indian firm, Ideal Detonators, has shipped a significant quantity of explosive compounds to Russia despite warnings from the United States. According to a report by Reuters, the Indian company shipped $1.4 million worth of HMX, a high-explosive compound, to Russian explosives maker Promsintez in December 2025. What’s more alarming is that the US had threatened to impose sanctions on any company that exported HMX to Russia.
HMX, also known as cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine, is a highly sensitive and powerful explosive compound that is designed for maximum destruction. It detonates rapidly and has a range of military uses, including in nuclear weapons, missiles, and artillery shells. The compound’s military significance has led to concerns over its proliferation, and the US has been vocal about restricting its export to countries like Russia.
So, why did Ideal Detonators decide to ship HMX to Russia despite the US warnings? The company has clarified that the compound was shipped for “industrial activity” and not for military use. However, this clarification has not been enough to alleviate concerns over the potential use of the explosives.
The shipment was reportedly made in December 2025, and the Indian company has not provided any further details on the nature of the “industrial activity” it was shipped for. However, the fact that the compound was shipped to a Russian explosives maker has raised suspicions.
The US has been critical of Russia’s military activities, particularly in Ukraine, and has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russian individuals and entities. The export of HMX to Russia is seen as a potential violation of these sanctions, and the US has threatened to impose additional penalties on companies that engage in such activities.
The incident has sparked concerns over the potential use of HMX in Russia’s military activities, particularly in Ukraine. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, and both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The export of HMX to Russia is not the first time that India has faced criticism over its arms exports. In 2019, the Indian government faced criticism over its decision to export T-90 tanks to Russia, which was seen as a violation of India’s commitment to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The MTCR is a voluntary export control regime that aims to prevent the proliferation of missiles and other weapons of mass destruction. India had committed to adhering to the regime’s guidelines, but its decision to export T-90 tanks to Russia raised concerns over its compliance with the regime.
The incident highlights the need for stricter export control measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Indian government needs to take a closer look at its export control regime and ensure that it is not violating its commitments to international agreements.
In conclusion, the shipment of HMX to Russia by Ideal Detonators is a concerning development that has raised eyebrows over its potential use in Russia’s military activities. The Indian company’s clarification that the compound was shipped for “industrial activity” has not been enough to alleviate concerns over the potential use of the explosives. The incident highlights the need for stricter export control measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
