DRDO confirms China was sending military-grade CNC machines to Pakistan, for possible use in nuclear program; Details-
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New Delhi, March 5: In the case of the seizure of suspicious items being shipped from China for possible use in Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirmed that China was sending large Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to Pakistan that could be used for military applications. This came after a DRDO team submitted its official report to the competent authority in this regard.
Recently, the Indian security agencies intercepted a Pakistan-bound ship, CMA CGM Attila that was carrying a consignment from China at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port as there was a possibility that it could be used in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program. The consignment, weighing 22,180 kilograms, was shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd and was meant for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan. The consignment was seized under the prevention of possible proliferation by Pakistan and China.
Investigation into the matter revealed discrepancies in the shipping details, suggesting potential evasion tactics to conceal the true recipients. This incident follows previous seizures of dual-use military-grade items transiting from China to Pakistan, raising concerns about illicit procurement activities.
This is not the first instance of Indian port officials seizing dual-use military-grade items being shipped from China to Pakistan. In February 2020, China was supplying an autoclave to Pakistan under the cover of an "industrial dryer." Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defense supplier, has been on a watchlist since March 12, 2022, when Indian authorities intercepted a shipment of Italian-made thermoelectric instruments at the Nhava Sheva port.
Cargo Seized
Recently, the Indian security agencies intercepted a Pakistan-bound ship, CMA CGM Attila that was carrying a consignment from China at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port as there was a possibility that it could be used in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program. The consignment, weighing 22,180 kilograms, was shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd and was meant for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan. The consignment was seized under the prevention of possible proliferation by Pakistan and China.
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Computer Numerical Control machines
Upon inspection by customs officials and the DRDO, the consignment included a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine by an Italian company. These machines have been included in the Wassenaar Arrangement since 1996 which is an international arms control regime aimed at curbing the spread of items with both civilian and military applications, with India being an active participant. Notably, North Korea has previously used similar CNC machines in its nuclear program.
In the case of the seizure of suspicious items being shipped from China for possible use in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, the DRDO team has today submitted its official report to the competent authority. The report by DRDO experts says that the large-size CNC machines are… pic.twitter.com/0wzQEm94mq
— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024
Investigation into the matter revealed discrepancies in the shipping details, suggesting potential evasion tactics to conceal the true recipients. This incident follows previous seizures of dual-use military-grade items transiting from China to Pakistan, raising concerns about illicit procurement activities.
Not The First Time
This is not the first instance of Indian port officials seizing dual-use military-grade items being shipped from China to Pakistan. In February 2020, China was supplying an autoclave to Pakistan under the cover of an "industrial dryer." Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defense supplier, has been on a watchlist since March 12, 2022, when Indian authorities intercepted a shipment of Italian-made thermoelectric instruments at the Nhava Sheva port.