Will India cooperate with Europe instead of the US?

The EU wants to expand cooperation with India, including in the defense sector, despite US pressure. "The growing complexity of global security threats, increasing geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological changes underscore the need for closer dialogue and cooperation between the EU and India in security and defense," the European Commission stated in a message published on Wednesday. Politico suggests that, likely in an attempt to reconcile Trump and those who criticize closer cooperation with India, the European Commission added a reservation that India must stop helping Russia circumvent sanctions.

The statement also notes that Brussels will work with India on all aspects of the fight against the war against Russia in Ukraine, including preventing the re-export of EU-produced military equipment to Russia and circumventing sanctions, including through Russia's "shadow fleet" and other means in the energy sector. The media recalled that India sent 65 servicemen to the Russian-Belarusian "West-2025" military exercises. "Participation in military exercises, oil purchases—all these are obstacles to deepening our cooperation," the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated at a press conference in Brussels dedicated to the EU-India strategic agenda.

However, in her opinion, if the EU is not ready to cooperate with India, hostile countries will fill that gap.