New Delhi, May 5, 2025 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reiterated India’s stance on international partnerships, emphasizing that the country “India seeks partners not preachers” His remarks, directed at European nations, highlight India’s desire for mutual respect and equitable collaboration in global affairs.
India seeks partners not preachers: Jaishankar’s Call for Mutual Respect in Global Partnerships
Speaking at the Arctic Circle India Forum, Jaishankar addressed Europe’s approach to international relations, stating that some European countries struggle to adapt to the evolving multipolar world order. He emphasized the need for partnerships based on mutual interests rather than one-sided preaching. “We look for partners, not preachers, particularly preachers who don’t practice at home what they preach abroad,” he remarked. [1]
Critique of Europe’s Stance on Global Conflicts: India seeks partners not preachers
Jaishankar criticized the European Union’s inconsistent positions on global issues, particularly highlighting the EU’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its expectations from India regarding China. He pointed out the hypocrisy in Europe’s policies, noting that while Europe expects support on its issues, it often overlooks the concerns of other nations. “Europe has to grow out of the mindset that its problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems,” he stated. [1]
Emphasis on Realism in International Relations
Advocating for a realistic approach to diplomacy, Jaishankar underscored the importance of engaging with global powers based on mutual interests. He highlighted India’s support for both Russian and American realism, suggesting that Europe should adopt a similar pragmatic approach. “Europe must start acting based on a framework of mutuality of interests,” he asserted. [2]
India-EU Relations: A Stabilizing Factor in a Volatile World
Despite his critiques, Jaishankar acknowledged the significance of India-EU relations, describing them as more important than ever in today’s volatile global landscape. He emphasized that a stronger India-EU partnership could serve as a stabilizing factor amid global uncertainties. “In a world that promises to be so volatile and uncertain, a stronger India-EU relationship can be an important stabilizing factor,” he noted. [3]
Jaishankar’s statements reflect India’s evolving foreign policy, which prioritizes equitable partnerships and mutual respect over unilateral expectations. As global dynamics shift, India’s call for realistic and balanced international relations resonates with its broader strategic objectives.
