Zakharova affirmed Russia’s support for India sending a 65-member contingent to Zapad exercises, asserting that defence cooperation between Russia and India is built on mutual respect and equality. She insisted that the strategic partnership does not target any third country, but aims to preserve national security and uphold peace.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that India’s participation in these military exercises, along with its continuing imports of Russian oil, might complicate efforts to strengthen EU-India diplomatic relations. She suggested that such defense engagements pose obstacles for deeper cooperation between the bloc and New Delhi.
India has maintained its position of strategic autonomy, arguing that engagement in international defence cooperation is a sovereign choice. New Delhi has not altered its defence posture in response to Western concerns.
Zapad 2025 is a joint strategic exercise held by Russia and Belarus, intended to test defensive readiness of the Union State. The drills, which took place inside Belarus near central training zones such as Barysaw, are viewed in Europe with caution, partly because they follow the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. Belarus reported approximately 13,000 personnel involved.