Finland Urges EU to Engage India, Not Align It with Russia

In a recent statement, Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized the importance of engaging with India rather than grouping it with nations like Russia and China. Stubb asserted that India’s robust economy and demographic advantages position it as a vital ally for the West, particularly within the framework of the European Union.

Stubb’s remarks were made during an appearance on Bloomberg Podcasts, where he discussed the geopolitical landscape following the war in Ukraine. He pointed out that Western nations, particularly the United States, have frequently criticized India’s close ties with Russia, especially concerning India’s ongoing crude oil purchases. Despite these concerns, he argued that it is crucial for Western countries to foster a relationship with India.

“Some multi-vectoral foreign policy is taking place there,” Stubb noted. He highlighted the historical economic disparities between China and Russia, stating that while the two nations once had comparable economies in the early 1990s, China’s economy is now over ten times larger. He remarked, “With its oil purchase, with its gas purchase, with its technological exchange, [China] does give the possibility for Russia to conduct the war, so there’s a very close link there.”

Stubb firmly positioned India as an “emerging superpower,” underscoring its significance as a close ally of both the EU and the United States. He urged Western nations to engage with India, emphasizing its potential as a partner in global affairs.

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to echo Stubb’s sentiments during an interview with Fox News journalist Brett Baier. In this conversation, Zelenskyy addressed the concerns surrounding India’s energy purchases, stating, “I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it.”

Zelenskyy’s comments suggested a divergence from the views expressed by the US administration, which has accused India of inadvertently funding Russia’s military operations through its oil imports. The US has also previously imposed tariff penalties on Russian crude oil purchases, indicating a complex relationship regarding energy policies and international alliances.

Stubb’s and Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate about India’s role on the global stage, particularly as it navigates its relationships with major powers while maintaining its own strategic interests. As an emerging player with significant economic and demographic resources, India’s diplomatic engagements will likely continue to attract scrutiny and discussion among Western leaders.

The conversation around India’s position in the geopolitical landscape underscores the necessity for nuanced diplomacy, as nations work to balance their interests and foster cooperation in a rapidly changing world.