External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (File photo)
Foreign Minister of India, Dr. S Jaishankar, during the Arctic Circle India Forum held in New Delhi on Saturday, took a sharp and clear stance on India’s foreign policy and said that India is looking for partners, not the preachers. He gave this comment during a conversation with former Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimson and Sameer Saran, President of Observer Research Foundation.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said that when we look at the world, they do not seek the preachers. Especially such preachers who preach abroad do not apply it in their home.
He also added that in some parts of Europe, this “double standards” mentality is still present, although some changes are also being seen.
Jaishankar’s big statement on partnership
Jaishankar’s remarks come at a time when India’s decisive and self-sufficient stance on issues such as Russia-Ukraine War, Fuel Supply Crisis, and Pakistan’s terrorism on the global stage has made a special place in international discussions.
#WATCH | Delhi: At Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says “When we look at the world, we look for partners, we don’t look for preachers. Particularly, preachers who don’t practice at home what they preach abroad. Some of Europe is still struggling with that pic.twitter.com/9V8vwBzvaf
– years (@ani) May 4, 2025
He said on the global partnership that if we want to become a partnership, then some sensitivity, mutuality of interest and how the whole world works. Everyone should realize this. Europe is now going through the investigation of reality on these fronts.
Answer to criticism of Western countries
This is not the first time Dr. Jaishankar has given direct reply to Western criticism. In 2022, he also described India’s energy security as paramount in response to India’s criticism over Russian oil imports. He had said, “Europe has the right to take decisions according to its energy needs, then it is not a sustainable thinking to expect something from India.”
Jaishankar quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying, “The Prime Minister had said that we should take a stance that would benefit India. We did the same.” He clarified that India will not compromise on its national interests under external pressure.