A CMA CGM containership, the Attila, used by the carrier on its intra-Asian service linking China, Singapore, India and Pakistan, was reportedly detained by Indian security agencies while calling at the port of Nhava Sheva in Mumbai. The ship was bound for Karachi, Pakistan.
According to sources, investigators have seized its cargo and launched an in-depth investigation, especially into the 22-tonne shipment bound for Pakistan containing a CNC machine, which New Delhi suspects may be used by Islamabad for the development of its nuclear missile programme.
Closer examination of the shipping documents also revealed irregularities and discrepancies that the Indian security agencies have reserved the right to verify.
The bills of lading stated that the consignor was Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd and the consignee Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd of Sialkot. However, based on the security agencies’ investigation, it turned out that the consignment had been shipped by Taiyuan Mining Import & Export Co Ltd and was destined for Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defence equipment supplier.
The vessel has since been released and its cargo confiscated.
The issue could soon turn into a diplomatic incident, given the very tense relations between the two countries.
In a press release, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned India’s bullying in seizing commercial goods, adding that such acts also highlight the increasing impunity of some states in violating international norms and taking arbitrary measures in violation of international law.
Translation by Giles Foster
