On 17 September, the European Commission set out a new strategic agenda to deepen cooperation with India in defense, technology, and trade. Alongside this, the EU and India are negotiating a free trade agreement, which they hope to conclude by the end of the year. These moves come despite ongoing concerns from the West over India’s close ties with Russia and its purchases of Russian oil. Brussels hopes to tap into India’s projected economic growth and sees it as a partner in upholding the international rules-based order. The initiative reflects a diplomatic effort to strengthen cooperation during turbulent times.