“It is of utmost importance to the EU that any enablement of the war be curtailed,” the communication reads.
The statement adds that Brussels will engage with India on all aspects of countering Russia’s war in Ukraine, including preventing the re-export of battlefield items of EU origin to Russia, and “sanctions circumvention, including through Russia’s shadow fleet and other energy measures.”
Meanwhile, India sent 65 troops to join the annual Russian military exercise Zapad last weekend, where the Kremlin simulated a nuclear attack on NATO countries. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to a summit in China, he held hands with Putin as they approached their host, President Xi Jinping.
“Participating in military exercises, purchase of oil, all these are obstacles to our cooperation when it comes to deepening the ties,” the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said at a press conference in Brussels on the EU-India Strategic Agenda.
However, she warned that if the EU doesn’t stand ready to engage with India, hostile powers will fill that gap. “The question is always whether we leave this void to be filled by somebody else or try to fill it ourselves,” she said.
As part of its 19th sanctions package, the EU is considering targeting countries that aid Russia in circumventing sanctions — including India, which is among the top buyers of Russian oil and coal.
