Western aviation giants continue to supply aircraft parts to Russia through intermediaries in India. According to customs documents, more than $50 million worth of parts were shipped to Russia between January 2023 and September 2024.
India Has Become a Key Intermediary for Russia
Due to U.S. and European Union sanctions, Russian airlines, unable to purchase aircraft parts directly from the West, are maintaining their supply chains through third countries like India.
Boeing, Airbus, and other Western companies may be unaware that their products are being redirected to Russia.
Aircraft parts range from sensors and cockpit displays to propeller blades and bolts.
Major Russian airlines such as Utair and Aeroflot are among the biggest buyers of these parts.
U.S. and EU Sanctions Have Not Targeted India
While the U.S. and EU have increased pressure on intermediaries in Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia, no direct sanctions have yet been imposed on India.
However, Indian-based companies like Step Aviation, Agrim Aviation, and Ascend Aviation have faced sanctions from the U.S. Boeing and Airbus subsidiary Satair made hundreds of shipments to India, with a significant portion ultimately redirected to Russia.
Although the Indian government argues that these companies are not violating local laws, it has announced that it will share updates on international export controls with firms.
These developments shed light on how Western companies bypass sanctions and highlight India’s critical role in the global supply chain.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor
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