Former Secretary criticizes EU's top diplomat over inadequate qualifications for managing Indo-Russia relations
In a statement made on social media platform X on September 19, 2025, former Foreign Secretary of India, Kanwal Sibal, condemned the European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, over her comments on New Delhi's ties with Russia.
Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, recently discussed the challenges in deepening ties with India. She raised concerns over India's participation in Russian-led military exercises and continued purchase of Russian oil, which EU officials have identified as significant barriers to cooperation.
Sibal accused Kallas of contributing to Europe's geopolitical drift due to her anti-Russian paranoia. He suggested that Kallas' criticism of New Delhi's ties with Russia is due to the EU being humiliated by the US.
Kallas confirmed raising these issues directly with India's External Affairs Minister. She emphasized the need to build partnerships and not leave voids for others to fill. However, she questioned the possibility of completely decoupling India from Russia, considering their history.
Kallas stated that India's participation in military exercises and purchase of oil are obstacles to cooperation. EU officials remain focused on advancing talks with India, viewing trade as a mutually beneficial area.
Sibal believes that the India-Europe Free Trade Agreement is not a favor to India, but a mutually beneficial arrangement. He found the reference to 'carrots and sticks' in Kallas' comments to be most objectionable.
Sibal also claimed that Kallas has been parachuted into a job she is not qualified for. He questioned whether the EU wants to become more relevant by building on its strengths or more irrelevant by an unwillingness to shed its pretensions that it holds all the cards.
Kallas was appointed as Vice-President of the European Commission by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The recent Zapad 2025 military exercise saw Indian Armed Forces participate alongside Russian units, drawing criticism from EU representatives.
Concerns persist over India's defence cooperation with Russia and its participation in exercises viewed as threatening by the EU. Kallas acknowledged 'clear areas of disagreement' between the EU and India on these matters.
Despite the criticisms, both parties have expressed a desire to strengthen economic ties. The EU wants to strengthen economic ties with India, but acknowledges the complexity of India-Russia relations. Sibal, however, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering a strong relationship.
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