Indian Army Joins Russia-Belarus Zapad 2025 Drills Amid Ukraine War, NATO Allies Express Rising Concern

National News:  India has sent its troops to the "Zapad 2025" military exercises, which took place alongside Russia and Belarus. This decision comes at a time when NATO is concerned about the exercises on its doorstep. According to international media, military analysts believe these exercises are being conducted to intimidate Europe. India's participation in "Zapad 2025" is seen as a further deepening of India-Russia's long-standing relationship.

It also strengthens cooperation between the two militaries, which is important because 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 also 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 beyond the trade deal the two are expected to sign. "It's about protecting the rules-based international order and participating in military exercises, buying oil. These are obstacles to our cooperation," she said. However, he also acknowledged that India, which has saved billions of dollars by buying oil from Russia, would not "completely break 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 against the US. Experts believe the Indian government has actually handled the US-Donald Trump issue quite well, maintaining friendly relations and continuing bilateral trade talks, while also respecting its own boundaries.