Japan needs to be careful over imposing trade bans on Indian firms over Ukraine conflict
Japan has recently imposed trade restrictions on Chinese and Indian firms over their alleged support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. This marks the first time that Japan has imposed sanctions on China-based firms in connection with the war in Ukraine. The new sanctions also target firms in India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
Japan needs to be very careful over this. In its enthusiasm to be an USA lackey it should not get into any trade conflict with others especially India. The Govt of India has very clearly stated that India is against all wars.
However Russia is a friend and India will not support any West European and USA sanction on it. The Ukraine Conflict is purely an European affair which they need to de escalate. India is ready to help any bilateral peace negotiation between the two parties.
However the Japanese government alleging that Indian firms are helping Russia circumvent punitive measures imposed by the international community for its invasion of Ukraine has no basis whatsoever.
India recognizes only UN imposed sanctions. USA and its allies may not trade with Russia but trying to impose their will on India will just not work. Japan may follow USA and other G7 nations but should not become a lackey of such powers.
Chinese targeted firms include Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd, which provided microchips for Russian drones, and China-based Yilufa Electronics Limited.
The sanctions, which are in line with previous measures imposed by other countries including the United States, forbid Japanese companies from exporting to the targeted firms.
It is worth noting that U.S. officials have previously stated that China is backing Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by providing drone and missile technology. The U.S. has also imposed its own trade restrictions on Chinese and Russian companies for their alleged involvement in supplying components for drones used in Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The specific details of the trade restrictions and the impact on the sanctioned firms from India have not been provided. Once it is known then India too will have take suitable action on those trying to impose any sanction / restrictions on India.
G7 should know that if BRICS nation get together then G7 countries stand no chance aping any kind of trade warfare.
