US 'concerned over export of iCET dual-use items to Russia'

The US concerns over alleged export of dual-use items from India to Russia may have originated from the fact that it plans to share high-tech products under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and fears Russia may have access to some of the items or technology via "exports" from here.

The issue has been part of recent conversations between India and the US amid reports suggesting Russia may have imported certain dual use items from India, it has been learnt.

A media report recently alleged that certain covert channels were used by Russia to import some sensitive items from India but the report could not substantiate the type or make of the items.


Sources told ET that such fears were unfounded as India has an impeccable track record on handling sensitive products from various countries in the defence sector.

The Indian military has used and is using Soviet, Russian and Western equipment simultaneously for the last few decades and neither side has ever complained of any technology pilferage from India, sources pointed out.

As part of iCET, India and the US plan to partner in defence industry collaboration, defence space tech, advanced telecommunications and semiconductor supply chains among other issues.

In June US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the US had frank discussions with India on New Delhi's ties with Russia in the technology sector in the backdrop of America's concerns on this issue but have trust and confidence in India.