India Stands Firm on Zapad 2025 Exercise Amid EU Criticism
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has hit back at the European Union’s concerns over India’s role in the recent Zapad 2025 military exercise in Russia. Speaking in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear that India isn’t alone—several NATO countries, including the United States, Turkey, and Hungary, joined as observers too.
This comes after European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas raised eyebrows about India’s participation in the Zapad exercise and its oil purchases from Russia. Kallas suggested these moves could stall talks on an India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). She told reporters, "If you want closer ties with us, why join exercises that feel like threats to our security? We’re serious about this, but I’ll let India speak for itself."
Jaiswal, during his weekly media briefing, pointed out that the Ministry of Defence had already explained India’s involvement. "Many other nations, including NATO members like the US, Turkey, and Hungary, took part as observers," he said. This pushes back against the idea that India’s choice is unusual.
Russia has also defended the drills. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called Western worries "baseless." She stressed that Zapad 2025 is purely defensive, focused on countering aggression. "We hope NATO observers will help clear up myths about the exercise being aggressive," Zakharova added in Moscow.
The Zapad 2025 exercise wrapped up as a major joint drill between Russia and Belarus from September 12 to 16. It happened across 41 land and sea training grounds in both countries. India sent a team of 65 personnel to Nizhniy Novgorod on September 9. The group included 57 from the Indian Army (led by the Kumaon Regiment), seven from the Indian Air Force, and one from the Indian Navy.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the goal of Exercise Zapad 2025 is to boost military ties, sharpen skills in working together, and share tips on conventional warfare and counter-terrorism. Troops practiced company-level operations in open terrains, covering everything from planning and drills to special skills. It’s a chance for nations to test new tech and handle multinational scenarios, making armed forces more ready for real challenges.
As India navigates global tensions, this exercise highlights its push for stronger defence partnerships without picking sides.
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