India has firmly rejected the European Union’s criticism regarding its participation in the Russian-Belarusian military exercise Zapad 2025, emphasizing that several NATO member states, including the United States, Turkey, and Hungary, also participated as observers. The Ministry of External Affairs underscored that India’s involvement is part of enhancing military cooperation and interoperability while focusing on defensive training measures. Russian officials welcomed India’s participation, asserting that the exercise is defensive rather than aggressive. This development highlights India’s strategic independence in defense matters amidst geopolitical tensions and reinforces its commitment to multilateral military collaboration, showcasing the importance of maintaining robust defense ties while navigating complex international relations.