Pakistan-Bound Ship From China Stopped At Mumbai Port Over Suspected Nuclear Cargo

Mumbai: Indian security agencies on Saturday stopped a Karachi-bound ship from China at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva and seized a consignment, suspecting its dual use for Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme.

Indian defence authorities, upon receiving a tip from specific intelligence, were alerted about the vessel’s voyage following which they inspected the heavy cargo and reported their suspicion about the contents of the ship. The consignment was seized under the prevention of possible proliferation by Pakistan and China, officials told THE WEEK.

According to the documents, the consigner was mentioned as “Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd” and consignee was “Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd” of Sialkot. But further investigation indicated that the consignment, weighing 22,180 kg, was shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd and was meant for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan.

During their inspection, security officials found a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, originally manufactured by an Italian company. Later a team of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also inspected and certified that the neighbouring country could use it for its nuclear programme.

It may be mentioned here that CNC machine was used by North Korea in its nuclear programme. If experts are to be believed, the CNC, which North Korea once used, would be useful in manufacturing critical parts for Pakistan’s missile development programme.

Cosmos Engineering has been on the watchlist of India since March 12, 2022, when authorities intercepted a shipment of Italian-made thermoelectric instruments at Nhava Sheva port.

Officials are concerned that Pakistan might be utilising China as a conduit to acquire restricted items from Europe and the US, masking identities to evade detection, the PTI reported.