Amid growing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, US President Donald Trump has announced hefty tariffs against India due to its continued import of Russian oil. Trump accused India of profiteering from these oil purchases in the open market, warning of increased penalties. This action comes even though China currently buys more oil from Russia than India. However, Trump has focused his remarks and penalties squarely on India.

Simultaneously, Ukraine has voiced new concerns, claiming that electronic parts manufactured or assembled by Indian companies have been discovered in Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which are being deployed by Russian forces against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities formally raised this issue with both the Indian government and the European Union, highlighting the presence of Indian-origin electronic components in downed drones.

Documents and investigations revealed that a "bridge rectifier E300359" produced by Vishay Intertechnology and assembled in India was found in the drone's voltage regulator, while a PLL-based signal generator AU5426A chip from Bengaluru-based Aura Semiconductor was used in the drone’s navigation system. Both firms, however, have not violated any Indian export laws as these are classified as dual-use components—technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded by asserting that all exports of dual-use items from India conform to international regulations and national laws, with robust due diligence mechanisms in place. The ministry stressed that appropriate checks are made to prevent any violations. Aura Semiconductor similarly stated they comply with all applicable export laws and are disturbed by any unauthorized third-party use of their components.

Experts and officials observed that such globally traded components, often legally exported, can end up in military equipment via complex third-party supply chains. Indian security agencies are now working to further sensitize manufacturers about international restrictions surrounding dual-use items.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have highlighted the issue in international forums and on official channels but acknowledged that in this case, the companies involved appear to have operated within the bounds of international and Indian law. The development underscores the challenges faced by open economies in monitoring the end-uses of commercially available technology and adds another layer of complication to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US, India, Russia, and Ukraine.