• Source:JND
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The European Union has expressed concern over India’s growing relations with Russia amid US President Donald Trump's Tariff war. The EU has called India's participation in Russian-led military exercises and oil imports “obstacles” to closer cooperation. The 27-member bloc aims to strengthen ties with India, including finalising a trade agreement.

"Ultimately, our cooperation is not merely about trade, but also about upholding the rules-based international order," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated. She also stressed that such actions as involvement in military drills and oil imports could affect efforts to deepen ties. She further noted India was unlikely to "fully decouple" from Russia.

India's Participation In Russian Exercises

India, along with other Moscow partners like Iran, recently joined Russia's Zapad (West) joint exercises with Belarus, partly along NATO borders. The nation has also become one of the largest customers for Russian oil, giving Moscow a crucial export market following European sanctions to block its customary buyers. For India, this has translated into huge cost savings while maintaining energy security.

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EU Cautious Amid US Pressure

The move comes after US President Donald Trump recently called on the EU to impose tariffs against India and China to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease the war in Ukraine. EU diplomats, however, say such actions are not likely, considering Brussels' pursuit of a strategic trade agreement with New Delhi. Though the EU may select Russian entities based in India as part of its sanctions system, it is also being careful not to undermine its economic goals.

Balancing Engagement And Sanctions

Kallas mentioned that not engaging with India might result in a strategic vacuum to be filled by "hostile powers." "The issue is always whether we allow this vacuum to be filled by another person or attempt to fill it ourselves," she said.

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India's status as one of the leading consumers of Russian coal and oil has led the EU to think about adding nations that are supporting Russia in evading sanctions in its 19th package.