EU sanctions plan, Russian drills put strain on India’s ties with Europe
Brussels mulls targeting Indian entities linked to Moscow’s war effort
Brussels: Tensions are growing between the European Union and India after Brussels proposed sanctions that could, for the first time, target Indian entities over alleged links to Russia’s war machine, even as concerns mount over New Delhi’s participation in large-scale military drills hosted by Moscow.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the European Commission on Friday unveiled its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at choking off access to sensitive technologies such as artificial intelligence and geospatial data that bolster Moscow’s weapons production. Officials confirmed that entities from India and China are under consideration for inclusion.
The move comes just days after the EU announced it was upgrading its relationship with India to a “strategic priority,” underscoring the awkward diplomatic timing. The latest friction also follows calls by US President Donald Trump urging Brussels to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on India as part of broader pressure on Russia.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas acknowledged that foreign suppliers, including from India, had been flagged in the sanctions discussions. “We know our sanctions are effective,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, stressing the bloc’s resolve to tighten the screws on countries enabling Moscow’s war effort.
Meanwhile, India has drawn criticism in Europe for sending a 57-member contingent of the Kumaon Regiment to “Zapad 2025,” a massive military exercise held in Russia and Belarus from September 10–16 involving around 40,000 troops. European officials said the move undermines Western efforts to diplomatically isolate Moscow.
India’s Ministry of Defence defended its participation, saying the drills aimed to strengthen defence cooperation and camaraderie with Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs further noted that other countries, including NATO members Turkiye and Hungary, also took part as observers.
Observers believe the twin issues of sanctions and military drills could inject new strain into already uneasy EU-India relations, which remain complicated by New Delhi’s growing energy and defence ties with Moscow.
