EU-India Ties Face Strain Over Sanctions and Russian Military Drills
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: Tensions between the European Union and India are escalating, with Brussels proposing to sanction Indian entities over alleged links to Russia’s war machine, just as European capitals raise concerns about India's participation in a major military exercise hosted by Moscow.
The European Commission announced on Friday (September 19) that it was proposing a 19th package of sanctions against Russia. For the first time, the bloc has suggested that Indian entities could be impacted, aiming to squeeze Moscow's access to critical technologies like AI and geospatial data that aid its weapons production.
This move creates an awkward diplomatic situation, coming just two days after the EU announced it was upgrading its relationship with India to a "strategic priority."
Notably, earlier this month, US President Donald Trump had urged EU officials to hit India with tariffs of up to 100% as part of a strategy to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Estonia’s Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, confirmed that the proposed sanctions had received inputs from foreign suppliers, including China and India. "We know that our sanctions are an effective tool," said European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, affirming the bloc's intent to pressure countries aiding Russia's war effort.
Adding to the friction, European nations have expressed deep concern over the Indian military’s recent participation in "Zapad 2025," a large-scale military exercise held in Russia and Belarus from September 10-16.
The Indian Armed Forces sent a 57-strong contingent from the Kumaon Regiment to the drills, which involved around 40,000 soldiers.
India's Ministry of Defence stated the exercise aimed to "further strengthen defence cooperation and foster camaraderie" with Russia. However, the move comes at a time when the West is trying to isolate Moscow, and the relationship is already strained by India’s continued purchasing of Russian oil.
Responding to concerns, India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted that several other nations, including NATO members Turkiye and Hungary, were also participating as observers.
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