National News: India has sent its troops to the "Zapad 2025" military exercises, which took place slantingly Russia and Belarus. This visualization comes at a time when NATO is concerned well-nigh the exercises on its doorstep. According to international media, military analysts believe these exercises are stuff conducted to intimidate Europe. India's participation in "Zapad 2025" is seen as a remoter worsening of India-Russia's long-standing relationship.
It moreover strengthens cooperation between the two militaries, which is important considering 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 is moreover happening at a time when relations with the United States and the European Union are going through turmoil.
Japan 2025 has increased NATO's anxiety
NATO's unease is reflected in comments by the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who said the partnership with India extends far vastitude the trade deal the two are expected to sign. "It's well-nigh protecting the rules-based international order and participating in military exercises, ownership oil. These are obstacles to our cooperation," she said. However, he moreover undisputed that India, which has saved billions of dollars by ownership oil from Russia, would not "completely unravel away" from the relationship, and Brussels and Delhi needed to discuss their issues.
America sent military representatives for inspection
Meanwhile, the US has confirmed that it sent military representatives to observe the exercises, the first such Russian-Belarusian drills since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.India's presence in the Japan exercise puts relations with Western countries, particularly the United States, into a gray area, at least for now. The US has tried to pressure the Indian government through tariffs.
India has maintained a firm stance, refusing to retaliate versus the US. Experts believe the Indian government has unquestionably handled the US-Donald Trump issue quite well, maintaining friendly relations and standing bilateral trade talks, while moreover respecting its own boundaries.
