The war in Ukraine, which has not yet reached any EU member state, is a clear reminder that our dependence on Russian fossil fuels is unsustainable, RT quoted von der Leyen as saying in a speech on April 24 at the International Solar Power Alliance.
So far, Russia has shown readiness to continue supplying energy to even unfriendly countries, despite arguing that gas must be paid in rubles. However, some European countries and the US have called for an energy embargo entirely from Russia. Meanwhile, some countries, including Germany and Austria, have warned that it is impossible for the EU to completely eliminate dependence on Russian energy by the end of the year.
What happens in Ukraine will have consequences for India and the surrounding region, von der Leyen said in an important speech at Indias Raisina Dialogue on Geopolitics and Economics on April 25, pointing to soaring prices for grain, energy and fertilizers as evidence for her claim.
While claiming that Europe has imposed effective sanctions, Ms. von der Leyen hinted that India has the duty to add to that efficiency, emphasizing for the India-Pacific region, the most important thing for Europe is that the border is respected and the ranges of influence are rejected.
Ms. von der Leyen also did not hesitate to put India under her own influence in Europe, stating that India and the EU share basic values and common interests, such as a free and open India - Pacific.
The EU and India have agreed to establish a common trade and technology forum to enhance extensive strategic participation - the second treaty signed between the two sides. The remaining agreement is with the US. A joint statement from both sides said the council would focus on the connection between trustworthy trade, technology and security.
So far, India has refused to participate in NATO's economic war against Russia and has welcomed senior officials from various countries this month, many of whom have sought to somehow get New Delhi involved in sanctions against Russia.
Just days before von der Leyen arrived in India, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also visited the country to deep the long-standing partnership between the UK and the former colony, with the aim of changing Indias policy on Russia. More European officials are expected to join von der Leyen at the Raisina Dialogue conference.
Russia launched a military campaign in Ukraine in late February, after accusing Kiev of failing to comply with the terms of the Minsk Agreement, first signed in 2014 and eventually recognized by Moscow for the self-proclaimed Donbass states of Donetsk and Lugansk. The Minsk Agreement, mediated by Germany and France, is designed to give breakaway regions special status in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has since asked Ukraine to officially declare itself a neutral state and never participate in the US-led NATO military bloc. Kiev has repeatedly denied the Russian attack was completely groundless and denied claiming to be planning to retake the two Donbass regions by force.
