Russia, hit by sanctions, asks India to deliver parts for cars, trains: Report

List of items from Russia, which runs to nearly 14 pages, includes car engine parts like pistons, oil pumps ignition coils; there is demand for bumpers, seatbelts infotainment systems too

NEW DELHI: Moscow has sent India a list of more than 500 products for potential delivery including parts for cars, aircraft and trains, four sources familiar with the matter said, as sanctions squeeze Russia’s ability to keep vital industries running.

The list, a version of which has been seen by Reuters in New Delhi, is provisional and it is unclear how many of the items will eventually be exported and in what quantity, but an Indian government source said the request was unusual in its scope.

India is keen to boost trade in this way, said the source, as it tries to narrow a ballooning trade deficit with Russia. Some companies have expressed concern, however, about potentially falling foul of Western sanctions.

An industry source in Moscow, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade asked large companies to supply lists of raw materials and equipment they needed.

The source added that further discussion would be needed to agree specifications and volumes and that the outreach was not limited to India. Russia’s Ministry of Indus

try and Trade and the Indian Foreign and Commerce ministries and the Prime Minister’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.