The United States has imposed sanctions on more than four private firms from India for aiding Russia amid its war ongoing against Ukraine.
Sanctions were imposed on over 350 firms across Russia, India, and China accusing them of providing products and services that enable Russia's war effort and aid its ability to evade sanctions.
This is not the first time that Indian firms have been targeted by US sanctions. The Treasury and State Department's effort is aimed at punishing third-party countries that are accused of providing material assistance to the Kremlin.
A US State Department official told Reuters that the latest move was the "most concerted push so far against third-country evasion."
Sanctions were also imposed on targets in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Thailand and Malaysia.
ALSO READ | India taking this seriously: US official over report on Pannun murder plot
"This should send a serious message to both the governments and the private sectors of these countries that the US government is committed to countering the evasion of our sanctions against Russia and to continue putting pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine," said the official.
Meanwhile, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement that the US and its allies will continue to take decisive action across the globe to stop the flow of technologies and weapons that aid Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Sanctions on Indian companies come at a time when the bilateral ties are under stress over the allegation of New Delhi's role in a plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US.
The US has repeatedly warned against supplying Russia with Common High Priority Items.
The State Department official said there has been an increase in the export of such goods from India to Russia, as well as increased interest in taking action against the companies facilitating such activity.
“With India, we have been very direct and blunt with them about the concerns we have about what we see as sort of emerging trends in that country that we want to stop before they get too far down the road,” said the official.