Mon Mar 31 15:07:29 UTC 2025: ## Indian Firm Accuses New York Times of Falsely Linking it to Russian Arms Supply

**NEW DELHI** – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a major Indian government-owned aerospace and defense company, has vehemently denied a *New York Times* report alleging it supplied sensitive technology to a blacklisted Russian arms agency. Sources close to HAL called the March 28th *NYT* article, “Major Donor to Reform U.K. Party Sold Parts Used In Weapons to Russian Supplier,” factually incorrect and misleading, accusing the publication of distorting facts to fit a political narrative.

The *NYT* report claimed HAL, acting as an intermediary for British aerospace manufacturer HR Smith Group, shipped nearly $2 million worth of sensitive technology—including transmitters and cockpit equipment—to Rosoboroneexport, a Russian arms agency sanctioned by the US and UK. The report cited shipping records showing 118 shipments from HR Smith to HAL in 2023 and 2024, followed by 13 shipments of similar parts from HAL to Rosoboroneexport, totaling over $14 million.

HAL sources insist the company adhered to all international strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. They emphasized India’s robust regulatory framework governing such overseas ventures and criticized the *NYT* for a lack of due diligence. They maintain that the transactions were lawful and did not involve the transfer of military-grade technology.

HR Smith’s lawyer, Nick Watson, told the *NYT* the equipment was intended for an Indian search-and-rescue network and was not designed for military use. However, the *NYT* also cited legal experts suggesting HR Smith might have violated sanctions by not sufficiently vetting the sale to HAL. The British government issued a “red alert” warning in December 2023 about the rerouting of sensitive equipment to Russia through intermediaries.

HAL has yet to issue an official statement. The controversy follows the *NYT*’s report linking the transactions to HR Smith Group, a major donor to the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.

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