Concerns Rise as Karachi-Bound Ship from China Halted in Mumbai Port Over Suspected Dual-Use Consignment

In a recent development, Indian security agencies have halted a Karachi-bound ship from China at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port. The interception was prompted by suspicions of a dual-use consignment that could potentially aid Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as reported by PTI on Saturday.

Customs officials, acting on intelligence input, intercepted the Malta-flagged merchant ship, CMA CGM Attila, on January 23. The consignment, featuring a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine manufactured by an Italian company, underwent thorough inspection during the operation.

Understanding CNC Machines:

A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine is a manufacturing device where computer software guides the movement of factory tools and machinery. These machines, controlling various complex processes like grinders, lathes, mills, and CNC routers, ensure a level of efficiency, consistency, and accuracy unattainable through manual operation.

Concerns Surrounding CNC Machines in Nuclear Programs:

CNC machines have been under international scrutiny since 1996 when they were included in the Wassenaar Arrangement, an arms control regime aimed at preventing the spread of equipment with both civilian and military applications.

The concerns arise from historical instances, such as North Korea employing CNC machines in its nuclear program. The recent seizure aligns with efforts to prevent potential proliferation by countries like Pakistan and China, both of which are part of the Wassenaar Arrangement.

Origin and Destination of the Consignment:

The consignment, originating from China, listed the consigner as "Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd" and the consignee as "Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd" in Sialkot, according to shipping documents. However, a deeper investigation revealed that the 22,180-kilogram consignment was shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd, intended for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan.

Cosmos Engineering Under Scrutiny:

Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defense supplier, has been under scrutiny since March 12, 2022, when Indian authorities intercepted a shipment of Italian-made thermoelectric instruments at the Nhava Sheva port.

Concerns are mounting over the possibility of Pakistan using China as a conduit to obtain restricted items from Europe and the US. This raises worries about Chinese support for Pakistan's nuclear and missile programs, exemplified by a 2020 case involving the concealment of an industrial autoclave, crucial for missile production.

Ongoing Investigation:

The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether the suspected Pakistani entities receiving these dual-use items are supplying them to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DESTO), responsible for much of Pakistan's defense research and development.

The interception of the Karachi-bound ship underscores the delicate balance between international trade and security concerns. As the investigation unfolds, it sheds light on the challenges posed by dual-use technologies and the continuous efforts to prevent their misuse.