India Fires Back At EU Criticism, Cites NATO Presence In Russian Drills

NEW DELHI- Rejecting the criticism from the European Union regarding India’s participation in the multilateral ‘Zapad’ exercise held in Russia’s Nizhniy, the Ministry of External Affairs on September 19 pointed out that several countries, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members like the United States, Turkey, and Hungary, have also participated in the major exercise as observers.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to a question on the comments made by European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas recently, highlighted that the Ministry of Defense has already shared details regarding India’s participation in the ‘Zapad’ exercise.

“I would also at the same time like to point out that several other countries including NATO countries such as United States, Turkey and Hungary are also or have also participated in this exercise as observers,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing held in New Delhi.

Kallas had remarked about India’s participation in the military exercise and its purchase of Russian oil being a hurdle in India-European Union Free Trade Agreement talks.

“I am not communicating on behalf of India. So, you can ask them the arguments on that side. We will meet in person as well, because this is a great concern for our countries. If you want closer ties with us, then why participate in exercises that are existential threats to us. So, to be very clear on this message. We are not taking this lightly, but I will not just reflect on our conversations and be communicating on their behalf,” Kallas told reporters.

The Zapad-2025 joint strategic exercise is the final stage of joint training of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus held between September 12-16 at 41 land and sea training grounds in both countries.

On September 9, an Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 65 personnel departed for Russia’s Nizhniy to participate in the multilateral joint military exercise. According to the Ministry of Defense, the contingent comprised of 57 Indian Army personnel along with seven personnel from the Indian Air Force and one from the Indian Navy. The Indian Army contingent was led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

“The multilateral Exercise ZAPAD 2025 is aimed at enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability, and providing a platform for participating armies to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in the domains of conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

“The exercise will focus on joint company-level operations in open and plain terrain, wherein troops will undertake missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills. It will offer a valuable opportunity to hone joint operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate in a multinational combat environment,” the ministry stated. (IANS)