New Delhi, May 4, 2025 — In a pointed remark that has already sparked diplomatic ripples, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a strong message to Europe, emphasizing that India seeks equitable global partnerships, not unsolicited moral lectures.
Speaking at a high-profile international forum, Dr. Jaishankar said, “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.”
The sharp comment is widely seen as a response to persistent Western criticism on issues ranging from human rights to democratic values in India. It reflects India's growing assertiveness on the global stage and its unwillingness to accept what it perceives as hypocrisy from some Western nations.
This is not the first time Dr. Jaishankar has publicly called out what he terms “double standards” in international relations. However, today’s remarks are among his most direct critiques of European diplomacy.
The statement is likely to intensify debates around India’s foreign policy approach, which increasingly emphasizes mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference — especially in the wake of global power shifts and rising geopolitical tensions.
International reactions are expected soon, as European leaders and analysts digest the implications of Dr. Jaishankar’s uncompromising words.
Agency Inputs
