What Does North Korea Export To India
India is a key trading partner with North Korea, in large part because of the clandestine relationship the South-East Asian nation has with the rogue state. In 2018, India was the fifth largest trading partner of North Korea and exported goods worth USD 350 million, according to data released by South Korea.
The majority of North Korean exports to India comprise of industrial and military products, such as missile components, machine tools, spare parts for military hardware, aircraft and spare parts, guns, explosives and firearms. North Korean companies are also known to export raw materials such as minerals, timber, iron ore and coal.
However, the exact identity of the North Korean companies that are involved in the export-import trade with India is unclear. According to experts, some North Korean companies, such as the No. 21 Munitions Industry Group and the 3C Flight instruments Manufacturing Company, have been identified as customizing Indian components for the North Korean military.
The weapon technology and components exported by North Korea are used by India to upgrade its own weapon technology, especially in the fields of advanced missiles, nuclear warheads, and even tanks. It has been widely reported that some of these components have been used in India’s recent test-firing of the Agni V ballistic missile. As such, North Korea continues to be a major supplier of advanced military technologies to India.
In addition to military-related technology, North Korea also exports rare earth materials, which are essential in many hi-tech industries, such as those related to the information, aerospace, and communications technology. North Korea has vast deposits of rare earths, some of which have been mined by the North Korean government.
North Korea is also a major exporter of uranium, whet stone, charcoal and other non-metallic minerals to India. In 2015, North Korea’s exports to India were estimated to be worth around USD 265 million.
However, despite the significant level of trade between North Korea and India, there are still major restrictions on the direct trade between the two countries due to the United Nations’ sanctions that have been imposed on North Korea for its nuclear proliferation activities. As a result, most trade between the two countries takes place via third parties.
Background Information
The trade between India and North Korea dates back to the 1960s, when India became one of the few countries to recognize the newly-formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Over the decades, the relationship between the two countries has remained strong, with the majority of North Korean exports to India comprising of military and industrial products.
North Korea has been under United Nations sanctions since 2006 in response to its nuclear weapons program and its continued missile tests. As such, the international community has imposed restrictions on North Korea’s trade, including a ban on imports of luxury items and restrictions on exports of certain items.
Despite these restrictions, North Korea has been able to maintain a healthy trade relationship with India, in large part because of India’s strong foreign policy stance in not imposing any trade sanctions on North Korea. By maintaining open diplomatic relations, India has been able to engage in trade directly with North Korea.
In recent years, the trade between India and North Korea has continued to grow, aided by the implementation of numerous free trade agreements (FTAs). In 2015, the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in an effort to further strengthen the trading ties between them.
Despite the growing ties between India and North Korea, there is still a considerable amount of mistrust and suspicion from the international community over the true nature of their relationship. This is due in large part to North Korea’s nuclear programs, which it is believed to be using to leverage its economy.
Relevant Data
The data regarding the trade between India and North Korea is largely incomplete, due to the clandestine nature of the relationship between the two countries. However, some data is available, and it shows a growing level of trade between them.
According to data released by South Korea in 2018, India was the fifth largest trading partner of North Korea in terms of imports and exports, with exports in 2018 totaling USD 350 million, up from USD 265 million in 2015. The majority of exports to India comprised of industrial and military products, such as missile components, machine tools, spare parts for military hardware, aircraft and spare parts, guns, explosives and firearms.
In terms of imports to North Korea, India was the fourth largest importer of the North with about USD 10 million worth of imports in 2018. This is a significant increase from the year 2016, when India imported USD 6 million worth of rare earth minerals from North Korea.
The data also reveals that some Indian companies have been involved in supplying North Korean companies with components for military hardware, as well as rare earths.
Perspevtives From Experts
Experts have voiced concern over the increasing level of trade between India and North Korea, given that North Korea is under United Nations sanctions. They are particularly concerned about the possibility of North Korea using the trade to bolster its economy and fund its nuclear programs, despite the UN sanctions.
In this context, experts have warned that India must be aware of any possible violations of UN sanctions while conducting trade with North Korea. They have also highlighted the importance of India being a responsible trading partner with North Korea and exercising caution when buying military technology from North Korea.
In addition, experts have also emphasized the need for India to ensure that the trade does not in any way encourage North Korea’s nuclear program. This means that India should take measures to ensure that nuclear technology and sensitive materials are not exported to North Korea, directly or indirectly.
Experts have also cautioned India about the potential for North Korean companies and individuals to use Indian businesses to hide the sales of goods that are restricted under UN sanctions. They have urged India to remain vigilant and to exercise due diligence when dealing with North Korean entities.
My Insight And Analysis
India’s trade relationship with North Korea has come under the spotlight in recent years, and it is clear that this relationship could play a key role in the future of North Korea’s nuclear program. As such, it is important for India to use its influence to encourage North Korea to adhere to UN sanctions and not use the trade relationship to further its nuclear ambitions.
At the same time, it is important that India takes measures to ensure that it does not become a conduit for North Korean entities to violate UN sanctions. This can be done through rigorous due diligence and careful monitoring of North Korean companies. Furthermore, India should also refrain from importing items that are restricted under UN sanctions.
Finally, it is important for India to use its position as a trading partner with North Korea as a way to promote peace and stability in East Asia. India should use its influence to encourage North Korea to adhere to international norms and avoid destabilizing activities, such as its nuclear weapons program.
Controversies Regarding India-North Korea Trade
The increasing trade between India and North Korea has led to widespread criticism and controversy from the international community. This is due in large part to the fact that North Korea is under United Nations sanctions, which restrict certain imports and exports from the rogue state.
In addition, some experts have expressed concern that India’s trade relationship with North Korea could potentially be used by North Korea to fund its nuclear weapons program. As such, some countries, such as the United States, have urged India to take steps to ensure that it does not become a conduit for North Korea to violate UN sanctions.
In response, India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that it does not allow its trade relationship with North Korea to be used in any way to violate UN sanctions. India has also highlighted the fact that it has taken a strong stand against North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and has supported sanctions against the rogue state.
Despite India’s assurances, some experts remain unconvinced, and have called for stronger measures to ensure that India’s relationship with North Korea is not used to covertly fund North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Implications For India
The increasing trade between India and North Korea could have significant implications for India in the coming years.
Firstly, India’s trade relationship with North Korea could come under greater scrutiny from the international community, as countries continue to be wary of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. India should be aware of this and take steps to ensure that it does not violate any UN sanctions and acts as a responsible trading partner with North Korea.
Secondly, India’s trade relationship with North Korea could have implications on India’s own strategic interests in East Asia and the broader region. India should take a careful approach when dealing with North Korea in order to ensure that it does not create a conflict with any of its regional allies.
Finally, India’s trade relationship with North Korea could also have implications on its economic interests. India should ensure that it is not used as a source of finance or technology for North Korea’s nuclear program. Moreover, India should carefully assess any potential benefit or risk arising from its increased engagement with North Korea.
Legality Of India-North Korea Trade
The legal implications of India’s trade relationship with North Korea remain unclear, given that North Korea is under United Nations sanctions and the actual nature of the trade is largely unknown. However, it is clear that any violation of UN sanctions by India could lead to severe economic and political repercussions.
In this context, it is important for India to take all necessary measures to ensure that its trade relationship with North Korea does not in any way violate UN sanctions. This includes exercising due diligence and carefully monitoring the activities of North Korean entities. Furthermore, India should refrain from importing items that are prohibited under UN sanctions.
India should also take steps to ensure that it is not used as a conduit for North Korea to fund its nuclear weapons program, directly or indirectly. In addition, India should be aware of the potential for North Korean entities to use Indian businesses to hide the sales of goods that are restricted under UN sanctions.
Given the implications of India’s trade relationship with North Korea, it is important for India to ensure that it remains in compliance with UN sanctions, and takes a responsible and informed approach to its engagement with the rogue state.
