NEW DELHI, Sep 19 : Amid the EU’s criticism of India’s participation in the Zapad exercise with Russia, the MEA said today that several other countries, including NATO members such as the US, Turkiye and Hungary have also participated in the exercises as observers.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a briefing today: “As regards the objectives and details of our participation in the ZAPAD exercise in Russia, I would refer you Ministry of Defence press release dated 09 September 2025. I would also like to point out that several other countries, including NATO members, such as US, Turkiye and Hungary, are also participating in the exercise as observers.”
On September 17, EU Foreign Policy chief Kaja Kallas said that Brussels is using a “carrot and stick” approach with India and expects New Delhi to make certain choices that align with the EU’s vision of a rules-based international order.
Kallas expressed particular concern over India’s participation in the Zapad 2025 joint military drills with Russia and Belarus, which took place near NATO borders from September 10 to 16.
She said that she had raised these issues directly with External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar.
Kallas had remarked about India’s participation in the military exercise and its purchase of Russian oil as being a hurdle in the India-European union Free Trade Agreement.
India sent a 65-member contingent, including personnel from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, to participate in the Zapad 2025 exercise in Russia.
Meanwhile, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow values India’s decision to join the exercises and rejected criticism from the EU and NATO allies.
Zakharova pointedly asked when will the West “finally understand the futility and
indeed, the absurdity of trying to dictate terms to sovereign states.”
“The solid foundation of the Russian-Indian ‘specially privileged strategic partnership’ rests on mutual respect, equality, consideration of each other’s interests, and very importantly our shared aspiration to promote a unifying, non-confrontational agenda on the international stage,” RT quoted her as saying.
(UNI )
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