Overview

• India’s foreign ministry countered the criticism by noting that NATO members including the US, Turkiye and Hungary attended the Zapad‑2025 drills as observers.
• A 65‑member Indian contingent joined the Russia–Belarus exercise in Belarus from 10 to 16 September, with New Delhi describing the goal as interoperability and counter‑terrorism training.
• Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova welcomed India’s participation and labeled EU and NATO objections as unfounded attempts to pressure a sovereign partner.
• EU foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas said military exercises with Russia and purchases of Russian oil are obstacles to deepening ties with India, while stating Brussels does not expect a complete decoupling.
• Zapad‑2025 is the first major Russia–Belarus drill since 2022, held near NATO borders during heightened vigilance after drone incidents in Poland, as the EU pursues an India FTA targeted for completion by late 2025.