Indian security agencies have detained a ship bound for Karachi at Mumbai Nhava Sheva port, suspecting it to contain a dual-use consignment for Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missile program.

The Malta-flagged merchant ship, CMA CGM Attila, originating from China's Shekou port, was halted on January 23 based on specific intelligence received by security agencies. The seized consignment, weighing over 22,000 kg, reportedly contained a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine manufactured by an Italian company, raising suspicions of its intended use in Pakistan's nuclear program.

The intelligence suggested the consignment was from "Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd," destined for "Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd" in Sialkot, but further investigation revealed it was shipped by "Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd" for "Cosmos Engineering" in Pakistan.

Officials confirmed the potential use of the CNC machine in Pakistan's nuclear initiatives, particularly in manufacturing critical components for missile development.

CNC machines are covered by the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international arms control regime to restrict the spread of items with dual civilian and military applications, with India actively participating in it. Notably, North Korea has previously used similar CNC machines in its nuclear program.

The ongoing investigation focuses on potential evasion tactics used in shipping details, such as bills, indicating a possible attempt to conceal the true recipients. Past instances of seizing dual-use military-grade items transshipped from China to Pakistan have raised concerns over illegal procurement.

The current probe seeks to determine if the suspected Pakistani entities receiving these items have links to the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DESTO), responsible for Pakistan's defence research and development.

Port officials, acting on specific intelligence, alerted Indian defense authorities, leading to the inspection of the cargo and subsequent seizure of the consignment.

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