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EU Moves to Strengthen Ties with India Amid Tensions Over Russia Support and Tariff Pressure
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The European Union is working to strengthen defense and security ties with India, despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to impose significant tariffs on India due to its support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war, Politico reported on September 17.
The European Commission stressed the need for closer EU-India cooperation to address global security threats and technological changes, while also urging India to stop helping Russia evade sanctions.
“It is of utmost importance to the EU that any enablement of the war be curtailed,” the Commission stated.
However, EU-India relations remain complicated by India’s ongoing military cooperation with Russia, such as its participation in Russian military exercises and continued purchases of Russian oil.
While the EU seeks to deepen ties with India, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas acknowledged that India’s actions on these fronts hinder closer collaboration, Politico reports.
The EU is also considering sanctions against countries, including India, that assist Russia in circumventing restrictions.
The EU’s recent sanctions package targeted a Russian-owned refinery in India, preventing it from exporting to Europe.
Despite these challenges, the EU is focused on securing a free-trade agreement with India and diversifying its trade partnerships, with the aim of concluding negotiations by 2025.
Previously, it was repoted that India had requested Moscow to expand discounts on Russian crude to $10 per barrel below the Brent benchmark, citing rising risks and transaction costs tied to fresh Western sanctions.
