Tokyo is considering imposing sanctions on an Indian company for maintaining business relations with Russia, sources have revealed to the Economic Times (ET). This would mark the first time Japan has taken such action against India since the 1998 nuclear tests in Pokhran.
The potential sanctions are part of Japan's broader effort to penalize entities it believes are circumventing sanctions and engaging in trade with Russia. Companies from China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan are also under scrutiny.
While no final decision has been made regarding the Indian firm, sources indicate that the move is currently under consideration. The identity of the company has not been disclosed.
According to Japanese sources, the sanctions would target organizations suspected of supplying materials to Russia that could potentially be repurposed for military applications. Should Japan proceed with sanctioning the Indian company, it could strain the flourishing bilateral relationship between the two countries, given the history of Japanese sanctions against India.
The potential sanctions underscore the delicate balancing act faced by India as it seeks to maintain its strategic partnership with Russia while navigating the geopolitical complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move by Japan could further complicate India's position and have broader implications for its international relations.
