At summit, EU asked India to put ‘pressure’ on Russia to end war, says Kaja Kallas, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged India to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine during the EU-India Summit on Tuesday.
• The EU-India Summit included discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.
• Kaja Kallas highlighted common challenges faced by the EU and India, including U.S. tariff threats, China’s economic coercion, and the existential threat from Russia.
• The EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Strategic and Defence Partnership were announced, aiming to strengthen cooperation against economic coercion and promote a multilateral world order.

Detailed Insights:

• Kaja Kallas previously stated in September 2025 that India's participation in military exercises with Russia and its imports of Russian oil were obstacles to closer ties with the EU.
• The EU views India as a key partner in promoting sustainable peace and stability, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war and its impact on the Global South.
• Cooperation between India and the EU in the Indo-Pacific region is seen as crucial to counter China's "weaponization of trade" and ensure open sea lanes.
• The EU emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and implementation of agreements, contrasting it with the uncertainty created by tariff threats and reversals of signed agreements.
• Enhanced cooperation between India and the EU in trade, security, defence, and foreign policy is essential to build confidence and address shared challenges.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): An agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, facilitating increased trade and economic cooperation.
• Economic Coercion: The use of economic means to pressure or influence another country's policies or actions.
• Multilateralism: A system of international relations that involves cooperation among multiple countries to address common challenges and promote shared interests.