‘Emerging Superpower’: Finland Urges EU To Engage India, Not Club It With Russia, China
Finland President Alexander Stubb recently highlighted that India has both economy and demography on its side, emphasizing the importance of engaging with India rather than grouping it with Russia and China.
Speaking on a Bloomberg Podcast, President Stubb insisted that the West should avoid clubbing India with these nations. He noted that Western countries, led by the United States, have expressed disapproval on several occasions regarding India’s close ties with Russia, especially concerning their trade relations following the war in Ukraine. India’s crude oil purchases from Russia have been a particular point of concern, despite India’s support for bilateral dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.
Stubb elaborated on the complex international dynamics, saying, “Some multi-vectoral foreign policy is taking place there. Of course, Russia and China have a direct connection. In the early 1990s, China and Russia had economies of the same size, but now China is over 10 times bigger. With its oil and gas purchases, and technological exchange, Russia is able to sustain the war, so there’s a very close link there.”
He further distinguished India’s position: “With India, it is a very close ally of the European Union and of course the United States as well, so I wouldn’t throw them in the same basket. India is obviously an emerging superpower. It’s got demography and economy on its side, and I always argue that it’s very important for the West to engage India and work with them.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed similar sentiments during a conversation with Fox News journalist and conservative commentator Brett Baier. Zelenskyy seemed to push back against the idea that India is contributing to the war in Ukraine through its crude oil purchases, which New Delhi maintains is done in a manner benefiting its citizens.
“I think India mostly [stands] with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy’s comments appeared to contrast with the stance of the United States, a major weapons supplier to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The US has accused India of indirectly funding the war by purchasing Russian crude oil. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump imposed tariff penalties on India for buying Russian oil.
The evolving geopolitical relationships continue to highlight the complexities of international alliances and the differing perspectives among global leaders regarding India’s role in the ongoing conflict.
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