New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- So far, Indian entities have largely escaped EU sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war and India's trade talks with the bloc have been smooth. Nayara Energy, partly owned by Russia's Rosneft, was among the few facing EU import curbs.

However, the EU's just-announced 19th package of punitive measures against Russia seems significantly harsher.

As it appears, their basic aim is to restrict Russia's access to a broad list of critical minerals and technologies deemed to be aiding its war. Though details are sparse at the moment, it's a new twist that New Delhi may have to reckon with if implemented.

Just days earlier, the EU had termed its ties with India a strategic priority. It was also seen as reluctant to ...