EU says India’s ties with Russia hinder closer partnership

India's participation in Russian military exercises and purchases of Russian oil "stand in the way of closer ties" with the EU, said Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

"Ultimately, our partnership is not only about trade, but also about defending the rules-based international order," Kallas said, as she announced the bloc's strategy to strengthen EU-India ties, as reported by AFP.

The comments come amid broader EU concerns over India’s increasing energy ties with Russia despite Western sanctions and geopolitical tensions. The EU is seeking to strengthen economic and strategic relations with India but faces challenges due to India’s stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

"Participating in military exercises, purchases of oil - all these are obstacles to our cooperation when it comes to deepening the ties," she said.

She also highlighted that the EU’s strategy focuses on shared democratic values, technology, green energy, and security cooperation, which could be undermined by India’s continued engagement with Russia.

By Khagan Isayev