A ship going from China to Pakistan was stopped by Indian security agencies in Mumbai, the reason shocked the whole world.

Indian security agencies intercepted a Karachi-bound ship from China carrying a dual-use consignment at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port. It can help in Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Customs officials, acting on intelligence inputs, intercepted a Malta-flagged merchant vessel, CMA CGM Attila, en route to Karachi on January 23. The consignment containing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines manufactured by an Italian company was thoroughly inspected.

What are CNC machines?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine is a manufacturing equipment where computer software guides the movement of factory equipment and machinery. This technology controls various complex machinery such as grinders, lathes, mills and CNC routers. CNC machines ensure a level of efficiency, consistency and accuracy that is unattainable through manual operations.

Concerns about CNC machines in nuclear programs

Since 1996, CNC machines have been covered by the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international arms control regime aimed at preventing the proliferation of equipment with both civilian and military applications. India, one of the 42 member states, participates in the exchange of information regarding transfers of conventional weapons and dual-use items and technologies.

The consignment was coming from China

In the consignment coming from China, the name of the consignor has been stated as Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Company Limited and the name of the consignor has been stated as Pakistan Wings Private Limited in Sialkot. However, a more thorough investigation by security agencies revealed that the consignment of 22,180 kg was sent by Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co., Ltd., destined for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan.