The European Union has expressed concerns that India’s growing ties with Russia could undermine efforts to strengthen EU-India relations. On Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Kallas warned that India’s purchases of Russian oil and participation in joint military exercises with Moscow presented obstacles to deepening cooperation.
While Brussels aims to expand its partnership with New Delhi beyond trade into areas like defence and global governance, it sees India’s close links with Moscow as a challenge.
The 27-member bloc is eager to conclude a free trade agreement with India by the end of 2025, given that the EU is India’s largest trading partner and bilateral trade has surged by 90% over the past decade.
However, the Ukraine war has complicated matters. After being cut off from European markets, Russia has found in India a key buyer of its oil, while also engaging in joint drills like the Zapad exercises with Belarus, in which India participated this month.
Despite these concerns, EU officials acknowledged that they do not expect India to completely distance itself from Russia. Instead, both sides are working to address differences through dialogue.
EU leaders also stressed that deepening engagement with India is crucial to prevent strategic vacuums being filled by other powers, particularly China.
The tensions come at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured both the EU and India with tariff hikes, aimed at curtailing Russian influence. His move to raise tariffs on most Indian exports to 50% has further strained Washington-New Delhi ties, driving India closer to Moscow and Beijing.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remains optimistic, insisting that now is the time to “double down on partnerships” with India. Senior EU and Indian officials are planning a high-level summit early next year to push negotiations forward.
