EU Seeks Stronger Ties with India in Defence, Tech, and Trade Despite Russia Concerns

 EU Seeks to be in closer relations with India amid concerns on Russia.

The European Union (EU) is indicating that it is going to exert more pressure to enhance its ties with India with the emphasis on defence, technology, and trade. This is at a time when India continues to have close relations with Russia more so its heavy dependence on the Russian oil which is the bane of Brussels.

Why the EU Wants India Closer

India has been the central figure in the changing world order to the EU. India is a strategic alliance with Europe given that it is unclear with regard to global supply chains considering the increasing power of China in Asia and the uncertainty surrounding the supply chain. Cooperation in the realm of defence and cutting-edge technology contributes to reinforcing of the relationships as well as diversification of choices that Europe possesses in the world of multipolarity.

Trade is another big factor. EU is already among the largest trading partners of India and both community are looking into greater access to markets and easier flow of investments. The enhanced economic relationship would be beneficial to European companies that are considering the vast consumer market of India and India would have improved access to European markets.

The Russia Dilemma

This is complicated by the fact that India has close relations with Moscow. Since the war in Ukraine occurred, Europe has attempted to minimize its reliance on Russian energy. India, however, has done the reverse of this and become one of the largest oil purchasers by Russia, usually at discounted prices. Although this has assisted India in managing the fuel prices in the country, it is something that is not comfortable in the EU where indirectly it has helped boost the economy of Russia.

Nonetheless, Europe appears to be ready to strike some balance in its concerns. Authorities have alluded to the fact that they do not approve of India trading in oil with Russia, but they are aware that New Delhi needs to obtain low-cost power to its rapidly developing economy.

A Compromise between the Two.

In the case of India, the issue will be maintaining the long-standing relations with Russia, and increasing collaboration with Europe and the West. In the case of the EU, the challenge is to gain the trust of India without being too forceful on other matters like energy imports.

Looking Ahead

As the world becomes more fragmented, such partnerships do not depend on how well the world aligns, but how they manage to co-exist with the differences and locate a place of common ground. India is attracting the attention of the EU and this demonstrates the significance of New Delhi not only as an economic centre but also as the geopolitical balancing factor.

Having been successful, this partnership may transform the way Europe and Asia collaborate in the most important areas: security, technology and sustainable growth.