EU Looks to Deepen Partnership with India Despite Moscow Ties.
The European Commission on Wednesday outlined plans to strengthen cooperation with India in defense, trade and technology, even as New Delhi’s close relationship with Moscow remains a concern. Brussels and New Delhi are pushing to finalize a free trade agreement by year-end, part of the EU’s wider strategy to diversify alliances as U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump reshape global commerce.
While India has expanded Russian oil imports and maintained military cooperation with Moscow, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said isolating India would risk pushing it “into Russia’s corner.” She stressed the need for Europe to “fill the void” with deeper engagement.
The EU strategy paper highlighted potential collaboration on supply chains, green hydrogen, decarbonization and innovation, along with new agreements on investment protection and air transport. A defense and security pact, similar to those with Japan and South Korea, is also on the table.
Despite differences, Brussels views India as a key partner in maintaining a rules-based order and a rising economic power set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.
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