Russia-Ukraine war threatens India's regional security, says EU Chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens India's regional security as well. The European Commission Chief is visiting India on the 60th anniversary of the India-EU relationship.

Focusing on Russia and China's seemingly unrestrained relationship, she warned that the war has further consequences. She is the latest Western diplomat who is visiting India amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The outcome of the war will not only determine the future of Europe but also deeply affect the Indo-Pacific region. Russia and China have forged a seemingly unrestrained pact. They have declared that the friendship between them has 'no limits'... What can we expect from the 'new international relations' that both have called for?” she added.

According to the European Commission Chief, they are “focused on strengthening its own ties with India over the coming decade.” Meanwhile, in a joint statement, India and the Commission have “agreed that rapid changes in the geopolitical environment highlight the need for joint in-depth strategic engagement.”

“The European Union is India's third most important trade partner, but we can do so much more. Our trade is far below our potential,” von der Leyen said. According to the European Commission, the two sides traded goods worth about 62.8 billion euros ($67.5 billion) in 2020.