The European Union's top diplomat in India has delivered a stark assessment of Russia's actions, branding the nation an "aggressor" that has deliberately positioned itself against the core interests of Europe. Herve Delphin, the EU's Ambassador to India, made these pointed remarks during a recent media interaction, outlining the bloc's unwavering stance on the conflict in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical implications.
A Clear Stance from Brussels: Defining the Aggressor
Ambassador Delphin left no room for ambiguity in his characterization of Russia's role in the ongoing war. "Russia is an aggressor. Russia has declared itself hostile to the interests of Europe," he stated emphatically. This framing is central to the EU's foreign policy, which views the invasion not merely as a regional dispute but as a fundamental challenge to the international rules-based order that Europe is built upon.
The envoy elaborated that the European Union's response, including unprecedented sanctions and military support for Ukraine, is a direct consequence of this assessment. He emphasized that the bloc's actions are defensive in nature, aimed at countering a hostile force and supporting a sovereign nation's right to self-defence. This perspective forms the bedrock of the EU's strategic compass in the current global landscape.
Navigating Complex Partnerships: The EU's Engagement with India
A significant portion of Ambassador Delphin's comments focused on the European Union's relationship with India in the context of this conflict. He acknowledged that India, like many other nations, maintains a "long-standing relationship" with Russia. However, he expressed the EU's desire to present its viewpoint clearly to Indian partners, hoping for a deeper understanding of the principles at stake.
"We are not asking countries to choose," Delphin clarified, addressing a common concern in Indian foreign policy circles. Instead, he framed the EU's outreach as an effort to explain why it considers Russia's actions a "direct threat" to European security and stability. The dialogue, he suggested, is about fostering a shared comprehension of the challenges to the global order, rather than issuing ultimatums.
The Path Forward: Consequences and Strategic Autonomy
The ambassador outlined the long-term consequences the EU foresees from the war. A key focus is on reducing strategic dependencies, particularly in energy, which Russia previously used as a political tool. The bloc is now accelerating its green transition and diversifying supply chains, a move with global economic ramifications.
Furthermore, Delphin highlighted that the conflict has acted as a catalyst for greater European integration in defence and security policy. The war has solidified the political will for the EU to develop its own strategic autonomy while strengthening its transatlantic alliance with NATO. This represents a historic shift in Europe's post-war security architecture, with lasting implications for global power dynamics.
In conclusion, the EU envoy's message was one of principled resolve. By defining Russia as an aggressor hostile to its interests, the European Union is justifying its comprehensive response. The path ahead involves sustaining support for Ukraine, hardening its own economic and security defences, and engaging major global partners like India in a continuous dialogue about upholding a world order based on rules and sovereignty.
