"When we look at the world, we look for partners, not preachers”: Jaishankar on partnership with Europe

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar once again attacked European nations for their disingenuous positions on global matters, saying India needs "partners, not preachers."

Minister says Europe has to be more sensitive

Responding to New Delhi's expectations from an EU partnership and the European bloc's stand in general, the Minister said, "Europe has entered a certain zone of reality check."

"When we look out 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. And I think some of Europe is still struggling with that problem. Some of it is changing," said Jaishankar.

He added: "So, the issue for us, I mean...in many ways...Europe has entered a certain zone of reality check. Now, whether they can step up to it or not it's something we will have to see".

"In terms of the connection you are making, we have a difficult relationship with China and we are perfectly capable of managing it. If I get global understanding and support, obviously it is of help to me," Jaishankar said.

"But this idea that I do a transaction -- I come in one conflict because it will help me in conflict two. That's not how the world works. A lot of our problems in China have nothing to do with Ukraine and have nothing to do with Russia. They are predated," the Minister replied when asked why he thought anyone would help New Delhi in case of a problem with China after it did not help others in Ukraine.

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Europe has to 'grow out of' its mindset

"Somewhere Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe's problems are the world's problems but the world's problems are not Europe's problems. That if it is you, it's yours, if it is me it is ours. I see reflections of that," Jaishankar had responded.

“But from our perspective, if we are to develop a partnership, there must be understanding, sensitivity, mutuality of interest, and a realisation of how the world works,” he added.

This statement follows Jaishankar’s recent conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in which Jaishankar said that those responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 must be brought to justice.

#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

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025

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