Why did the Indian Army arrive in Russia amid the war with Ukraine? NATO is in turmoil
India has sent its troops to “Zapad 2025,” participating in exercises with Russia and Belarus. This decision comes at a time when NATO is concerned about exercises on its doorstep. According to international media, military analysts believe these exercises are being conducted to intimidate Europe.
India’s participation in “Zapad 2025” is seen as a further deepening of India-Russia’s long-standing relationship. It also strengthens cooperation between the two militaries, which is important because most of India’s armed forces still use Russian-made hardware. The government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) in the defense sector is a plan to reduce that dependence.
However, this also comes at a time when relations with the United States and the European Union are experiencing turmoil.
Zapad 2025 Increases NATO’s Unease
NATO’s unease is reflected in comments by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who stated that the partnership with India extends beyond the trade agreement the two are expected to sign. She said, “It’s about protecting the rules-based international order and participating in military exercises, buying oil. These are obstacles to our cooperation.”
However, she also acknowledged that India, which has saved billions of dollars by purchasing oil from Russia, would not “completely withdraw” from the relationship, and that Brussels and Delhi need to discuss their issues.
US sends military representatives to observe
Meanwhile, the US has confirmed that it sent military representatives to observe the exercises, the first such Russian-Belarusian exercises since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
India maintains firm stance on US tariffs
India’s presence in the Japan exercise puts relations with Western countries, especially the US, in a gray area, at least for now. The US has attempted to pressure the Indian government through tariffs.
India has maintained a firm stance, refusing to retaliate against the US. Experts believe the Indian government has actually handled the US-Donald Trump issue quite well, maintaining friendly relations and continuing bilateral trade talks, while also keeping its own boundaries in mind.
