New Delhi: India on Monday strongly refuted a report published by The New York Times, which alleged that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) sold sensitive technical equipment to a blacklisted Russian agency involved in arms supply. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the report as “factually incorrect and misleading,” stating that it was politically motivated. The ministry accused the report of deliberately distorting facts to tarnish India’s image.
In an official statement, the MEA asserted, “The Indian company mentioned in the report has fully adhered to international strategic trade controls and end-user commitments.” The ministry also urged media outlets to conduct proper verification before publishing such reports, which, in this case, was not done.
What is the Controversy?
The controversy erupted after The New York Times published a report on March 28, alleging that British aerospace manufacturer HR Smith Group supplied technical equipment to Russia through HAL. The report claimed that the supplies included transmitters, cockpit equipment, and other sensitive components, which were prohibited for sale to Russia by the UK and the US. It further stated that HAL forwarded these components to Russia’s blacklisted defense entity, Rosoboronexport.
In response, India clarified that HAL’s trade operations are entirely legal and transparent, and there has been no violation of any international laws.