According to officials briefed by the news agency PTI, security agencies intercepted a ship destined for Karachi from China at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port in January. The interception was prompted by suspicions that the ship was carrying a consignment possibly intended for use in Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missile program.

Responding to intelligence input, customs officials intercepted the Malta-flagged merchant ship, CMA CGM Attila, bound for Karachi on January 23. As per PTI reports, officials stated that a team from DRDO scrutinized the consignment, which comprised a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, confirming its potential utility in Pakistan's nuclear programme.

CNC machines, regulated under the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international agreement aimed at controlling the proliferation of items with dual civilian and military applications, are closely monitored, with India playing an active role. It is noteworthy that North Korea utilized a CNC machine in its nuclear program.

PTI reported that investigations uncovered inconsistencies in shipping information, indicating efforts to conceal the true recipients.

This incident aligns with a series of interceptions involving dual-use military-grade materials transported from China to Pakistan, prompting apprehensions regarding clandestine procurement endeavours.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain potential links between the suspected Pakistani beneficiaries and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DESTO), which oversees defense research and development in Pakistan.

According to officials cited in the report, documents like bills of lading indicated that the sender was "Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd" and the receiver was "Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd" in Sialkot.

However, upon further investigation, security agencies discovered that the 22,180-kilogram consignment was actually dispatched by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd and was intended for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan.

This incident represents a recurring pattern where Indian port officials have intercepted dual-use military-grade items being transported from China to Pakistan. Cosmos Engineering, identified as 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.

Image source: Hindustan Times