Explained: India at Russia-Belarus War Games: Why NATO and US Are Uneasy

India has sent 65 soldiers to Zapad 2025, the Russian-Belarusian military exercises that included nuclear strike simulations—and the move has set alarm bells ringing in the West. NATO, already uneasy about Moscow’s war games on its doorstep, sees India’s participation as deepening ties with Russia at a time of strained relations with the US and EU. From energy deals and oil imports to tariffs and strategic autonomy, India’s choices are shaping global geopolitics in unpredictable ways. The US has already observed these exercises closely, with President Trump attempting to balance outreach to PM Modi while also trying to contain Russia and Belarus. So what does India’s presence at Zapad 2025 really mean for its relations with the US, NATO, Russia, and China? And why is Europe worried? We break down the details.