India’s deployment of troops to Russia for the massive Zapad 2025 war drills has sent shockwaves through Washington and European capitals. With 30,000 Russian and Belarusian forces simulating missile strikes near NATO borders, New Delhi’s participation—featuring the elite Kumaon Regiment—has prompted Western analysts to declare that India has “crossed a red line.” Despite Delhi’s insistence that the move is non-political and focused on military camaraderie, the West sees a shift in allegiances amid rising tensions with the U.S. following President Trump’s tariffs and foreign policy missteps. NATO has since ramped up air defenses as fears of escalation grow. Watch