New Delhi: As the European Union set out plans to strengthen cooperation with India on defence and trade, New Delhi’s ties with Moscow cast a shadow, with Brussels warning that Russian oil imports and participation in military drills could pose a risk to the partnership’s expansion.The European Commission and the EU High Representative on Wednesday (September 17) unveiled a new “strategic EU-India agenda” to deepen ties, citing the uncertain nature of transatlantic relations and global economic volatility.“In an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, closer EU-India cooperation is more important than ever,” the joint communication said.It linked the push for closer engagement directly to Europe’s security concerns. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, along with recent violations of the Union’s airspace, poses an existential threat to European security. It is of utmost importance to the EU that any enablement of the war be curtailed,” the paper stated.“The growing complexity of global security threats, rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change underscore the need for closer EU-India dialogue and cooperation in security and defence,” it added.The communication also underlined that Brussels would step up engagement with India on countering Russia’s military aggression, including exploring ways to prevent the re-export of battlefield items of EU origin to Russia and to curb sanctions circumvention “including through Russia’s shadow fleet and other energy measures”.This, it said, would involve dialogue with the EU sanctions envoy and capacity-building initiatives with the private sector.The initiative comes as the EU faces pressure from the United States to sanction India and China over purchases of Russian crude.Washington has already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports in response to New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Moscow, doubling earlier ‘reciprocal’ tariffs.While calling security and defence a key “backbone” of the partnership, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged “hesitations” within the college of EU commissioners due to areas of disagreement.“India’s participation in Russia’s military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties. Because, ultimately, our partnership is not only about trade, but also about defending rules-based international order,” she said at a press conference in Brussels.India this month joined Russia’s ‘Zapad’ military drills, held close to its borders with Poland and Lithuania.Facing repeated questions during the press conference on India’s ties with Russia, Kallas stated, “If you want closer ties with us, then why participate in exercises that are an existential threat to us?”, adding, “We are not taking this lightly.”At the same time, Kallas stressed that the EU did not want to push India closer to Moscow. “The question is whether we leave this void to be filled by somebody else or we try to fill it ourselves,” she told reporters.Kallas also noted that the EU was aware of India’s historical links with Russia. “Whether it’s possible to completely decouple India from Russia, considering their history as well, I don’t think we have illusions regarding this.”Negotiations will now focus on addressing these challenges, with the aim of adopting a joint roadmap at the EU-India Summit in early 2026.Kallas added that talks were also underway on an agreement for the exchange of classified information and closer links between their defence industries.Both sides are also negotiating a free trade agreement that is slated for a conclusion this year.Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade, said that there was “enormous potential” for mutual trade. “It’s about strategic choices. And clearly, India is a strategic partner, from any angle you would look at it.”