EU-India Relations Strained by Ukraine Conflict
This month, tensions have surfaced between the European Union and India regarding their respective stances on the ongoing war in Ukraine. As India maintains historically close ties with Russia, the EU faces challenges in portraying a unified front against Moscow, reports 24brussels.
Nicolas Köhler-Suzuki, an associate researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, emphasized the critical nature of the current geopolitical landscape, stating, “If we look at what is left, it’s the most important stuff … those are exactly the same things that we were dealing with in 2012, 2013, when the negotiations derailed last time.”
The EU is seeking to diversify its partnerships, and India plays a crucial role in this strategy. However, the historical closeness of India to Russia complicates matters. An anonymous EU official noted that “one of the biggest issues where [the EU and India] have differences is Ukraine.” This divergence poses a significant obstacle in diplomatic relations.
Recent developments further highlight the strain. India dispatched 65 troops to participate in Russia’s annual Zapad military exercises, during which the Kremlin simulated a nuclear attack on NATO countries. This participation raises questions about India’s commitment to the EU’s objectives. Concurrently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a summit in China, drawing attention to the robust ties between the two nations.
In response to India’s alignment with Russia, former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the EU to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on Indian goods, arguing that such measures are necessary due to India’s role in facilitating Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The EU acknowledges the need to address these gaps in communication and strategy. An EU official remarked, “It’s not all joyous music and singing and dancing. There is an acknowledgement that we need to do more to bridge gaps where they are,” referring to a mid-September communication issued by the EU executive regarding relations with India.
As the EU navigates these complex geopolitical dynamics, the outcome of its efforts to align with India while maintaining a strong stance against Russia remains uncertain, with significant implications for both regional and global stability.
