India’s involvement in Russian military exercises and its continued purchases of Russian oil are complicating efforts to deepen ties with the European Union, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in Brussels. These actions, she noted, are “obstacles to our cooperation” as the EU and India strive for closer strategic alignment.
Kallas made the remarks while unveiling the EU’s updated India strategy, which is designed to strengthen cooperation in trade, defense, climate, and technology. Despite growing tensions over India’s ties with Moscow, Brussels hopes to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with New Delhi by the end of 2025.
India has recently taken part in joint Russian‑Belarus military drills under the Zapad (West) exercises, which some of the EU nations view as provocative, especially given their proximity to NATO borders. Coupled with escalating purchases of Russian oil, these moves have raised alarms in Europe about India’s foreign policy priorities and its alignment with the rules‑based international order.
While trade between the EU and India has grown significantly over the past decade—with bilateral commerce close to doubling—these disagreements present diplomatic friction. EU leaders say the partnership must be more than economic; it must reflect shared values and geopolitical commitments. If India is seen as reinforcing ties with Russia, that may limit how far the EU is willing to cooperate, especially in defense, security, and global standard‑setting.
