India-based entities among firms targeted in EU's proposed 21st Russia sanctions package

Companies based in India are among 50 entities that could be subjected to fresh European Union export-control restrictions under the bloc's proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, an EU diplomat said on Wednesday.

The proposed measures are part of a broader effort by the EU to tighten restrictions on networks accused of supporting Russia's military-industrial complex and helping Moscow circumvent existing sanctions imposed over the Ukraine conflict.

According to Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the latest package includes export-control measures on companies located in India, China, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates. The package also envisages more than 30 new sanctions designations linked to Russia's drone manufacturing sector.


"We are also targeting companies providing support to Russia military-industrial complex," Kallas posted on X while outlining the proposed measures.



The EU also plans to widen restrictions on exports of materials and technologies deemed important for Russia's industrial and defence production. The proposed curbs would cover nickel powders, metals and high-performance alloys.
In addition, the bloc intends to restrict imports of several new categories of goods, including certain automobile parts, precious-metal ores and chemicals.

Announcing the package, Kallas said the EU was seeking to further weaken Russia's economic capacity to sustain the war effort.
"Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia's war economy," she said.


The proposed 21st sanctions package also includes a temporary freeze of the Russian oil price cap and fresh designations targeting institutions that the EU says are being used by Moscow to generate revenues and evade sanctions.

"Today, we are presenting our proposals for a 21st sanctions package against Russia," Kallas said.

The measures would target banks, weapons manufacturers, oil traders, refineries and cryptocurrency operators in third countries that are allegedly facilitating sanctions evasion.

The sanctions package will need the approval of EU member states before it can be formally adopted.