New Delhi: In a swipe at European nations seeking to shape India’s stance on global affairs, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi’s clear-eyed foreign policy vision, stating that India seeks “partners, not preachers”. His remarks came during an interaction at the Arctic Circle India Forum alongside former Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Observer Research Foundation president Samir Saran.
“When we look out at the world, we look for partners. We don’t look for preachers, particularly preachers who don’t practise at home what they preach abroad,” Dr Jaishankar said. “And I think some of Europe is still struggling with that problem. Some of it is changing.”
#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
Heightened geopolitical flux
His comments come at a time of heightened geopolitical flux, particularly in the aftermath of India’s firm stance on issues ranging from its oil imports from Russia to its approach towards cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Jaishankar also highlighted the necessity of mutual respect and sensitivity in global partnerships. “If we are to develop a partnership, there has to be some understanding, some sensitivity, a mutuality of interests and a realisation of how the world works,” he said, adding that Europe is undergoing a “reality check” on many of these fronts.
India’s right to prioritise its own energy security
This is not the first time the seasoned diplomat has taken a tough line on Western commentary about Indian foreign policy choices. In 2022, amidst criticism over India’s decision to continue importing Russian oil despite sanctions from the West, Dr Jaishankar asserted India’s right to prioritise its own energy security. “For Europe to make choices which prioritise its energy needs and then ask India to do something else — that is not a sustainable expectation,” he had said.
He further reiterated that India would not compromise its national interests under external pressure. “When it comes to what benefits us, we should not back down. I should not expose our people to fuel inflation if I can find a way out. The Prime Minister had said — take a stand that benefits India. We did that,” Jaishankar said.
