Russia’s links complicate the Cooperation of the Defense of the EU-India

The European Commission unveiled on Wednesday the strengthening of defense and economic bonds with India, even if the concerns are rising on the close links of New Delhi with Russia.

The new EU-Indian strategic program, presented before a free trade agreement expected by the end of the year, aims to extend world partnerships in Europe in the midst of tensions with Russia and China, and Uncertainty in Washington.

“Security and defense are another backbone of the partnership,” said the first EU diplomat Kaja Kallas at a press conference.

But the long -standing links of India with Moscow remain a point of collision. During the weekend, Indian troops participated in the “Zapad” exercise alongside the Russian and Belarusian forces near the eastern side of NATO. New Delhi was criticized for its purchases of Russian fossil fuels and defense products, in particular by American president Donald Trump.

“All these (problems) are obstacles to cooperation,” said Kallas. “Currently, we have no mutual understanding here,” she added, noting that the negotiations cannot conclude that “we agree on everything”.

The objective of cooperation is to “avoid the re -export of the elements of the battlefield of the EU to Russia and the bypass”, according to a joint communication of the Commission and the European external action service published in parallel with the announcement.

Discussions are underway on an official security and defense partnership, which would see India join an exclusive group of security partners with similar views which include Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Norway and several EU candidate countries.

On the same day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said later social networks That he had underlined the commitment of India “to further strengthen our special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia.

The other joint communication initiatives include closer cooperation in maritime security, closer links between the defense industries with guarantees against “technological leak” and the plans for an industry forum. India has also expressed interest in buying 114 Rafale French manufacturing planes to be manufactured at the national level.

Overall, the new EU-Indian strategic program describes India as the fastest economy in the world and an essential partner for the EU. Beyond the defense, he underlines the importance of trade relations, despite the current difficulties in negotiations for a free trade agreement.

“We live in turbulent times and we need cooperation,” said Kallas. “The question remains whether we leave this void for someone else.”

(CP, of)