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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent remarks at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025 represent a significant articulation of India's evolving foreign policy philosophy, particularly concerning its relationship with Europe. His forceful assertion that India seeks partners, not preachers, encapsulates a growing sentiment within Indian strategic circles that Western nations, particularly those in Europe, often adopt a moralizing tone in their interactions with India, without necessarily adhering to the same standards in their own conduct. This critique isn't new; it's a recurring theme in Jaishankar's speeches and pronouncements over the past few years, reflecting a broader frustration with what India perceives as Western hypocrisy and a lack of genuine understanding of its geopolitical realities. The context for these remarks is crucial. India's deepening energy ties with Russia, particularly after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, have drawn criticism from Western capitals. While India has consistently maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, prioritizing its own energy security needs, this position has been interpreted by some as tacit support for Russia's actions. Jaishankar's comments also followed calls from Western countries for India to exercise restraint in its relations with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, directly urged restraint after speaking with both Jaishankar and her Pakistani counterpart. This intervention, while perhaps well-intentioned, appears to have been perceived by India as an unwarranted intrusion into its domestic affairs and regional security dynamics, further fueling the sense of being lectured rather than engaged in a genuine dialogue. Jaishankar's reference to Europe's struggle with the problem of preaching abroad without practicing at home underscores the perceived double standards that India often points out. This criticism often extends to issues such as human rights, democracy, and environmental policy, where India argues that Western nations often fail to acknowledge their own historical and contemporary shortcomings while imposing their standards on others. The minister's statement that Europe has "entered a certain zone of reality check" suggests a cautious optimism that some European nations are beginning to recognize the need for a more nuanced and pragmatic approach to their relationships with India and other non-Western powers. However, he remains skeptical about whether this shift in perception will translate into concrete changes in policy and behavior. The core of Jaishankar's argument lies in the importance of mutual understanding, sensitivity, and a realization of how the world works for any partnership to flourish. He emphasizes that partnerships should be based on shared interests and a recognition of each other's perspectives, rather than on ideological diktats or moralizing pronouncements. This approach aligns with India's broader foreign policy strategy of multi-alignment, which seeks to cultivate partnerships with a diverse range of countries based on pragmatic considerations and shared objectives, rather than on rigid ideological alignments.
The minister's critique of earlier attempts by the West to find a solution to the Russia-Ukraine war without involving Russia highlights his emphasis on realism in international relations. He argues that any attempt to resolve complex geopolitical conflicts must take into account the interests and perspectives of all relevant actors, including those that may be perceived as adversaries. This position reflects a belief that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiation, and a willingness to compromise, rather than through unilateral actions or attempts to isolate and punish certain countries. Jaishankar's advocacy for "Russia realism" and "America realism" underscores his commitment to a pragmatic and non-ideological approach to foreign policy. He believes that the best way to engage with any country, including the United States, is to identify areas of mutual interest and to work together to achieve common goals, rather than to focus on ideological differences that may hinder cooperation. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the evolving geopolitical landscape, where traditional alliances are becoming more fluid and where new centers of power are emerging. India's ability to navigate this complex environment will depend on its ability to cultivate partnerships with a diverse range of countries, based on shared interests and mutual respect. The 'Arctic Circle India Forum' as a venue for these remarks is also significant. The Arctic region is increasingly becoming a focal point of global geopolitics, with growing competition for resources, shipping routes, and strategic influence. India has a growing interest in the Arctic, driven by its scientific research activities and its desire to access the region's natural resources. By hosting the Arctic Circle India Forum, India is signaling its intention to play a more active role in shaping the future of the Arctic region and to engage with other stakeholders in a collaborative and responsible manner. In conclusion, Jaishankar's remarks at the Arctic Circle India Forum represent a significant articulation of India's evolving foreign policy philosophy. His emphasis on partnerships, mutual understanding, and realism reflects a growing assertiveness on the part of India to define its own interests and to engage with the world on its own terms. This approach is likely to shape India's foreign policy in the years to come, as it seeks to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world and to promote its interests in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The broader implications of Jaishankar's statements extend beyond the immediate context of India's relations with Europe and the Russia-Ukraine war. They reflect a deeper trend in international relations, where non-Western powers are increasingly challenging the dominance of the West and asserting their own perspectives and interests. This trend is driven by a number of factors, including the rise of new economic powers, the decline of Western hegemony, and the growing awareness of historical injustices and inequalities. India, as one of the world's largest and most dynamic democracies, is playing a leading role in this transformation. Its foreign policy is increasingly characterized by a commitment to multilateralism, non-alignment, and a belief in the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges. However, India's rise is not without its challenges. It faces a number of internal and external constraints, including poverty, inequality, and regional instability. Its relations with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and China, remain complex and at times fraught with tension. Moreover, India's growing assertiveness on the world stage has been met with skepticism and even resistance from some Western powers, who may perceive it as a threat to their own interests. Despite these challenges, India's long-term trajectory is clear. It is on its way to becoming a major global power, and its foreign policy is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the international system. The key question is whether India will be able to navigate the complexities of this new era in a way that promotes peace, prosperity, and justice for all. Jaishankar's emphasis on partnerships, mutual understanding, and realism provides a valuable framework for addressing this challenge. By building strong relationships with a diverse range of countries, based on shared interests and mutual respect, India can contribute to a more stable and equitable world order. However, this will require a willingness to listen to and learn from others, to compromise when necessary, and to remain committed to the principles of multilateralism and non-alignment. Ultimately, India's success will depend on its ability to translate its vision of a more just and equitable world into concrete action. This will require a sustained commitment to diplomacy, development, and dialogue, as well as a willingness to challenge the status quo and to advocate for the interests of the developing world. Only then can India truly realize its potential as a global leader and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
The nuances within Jaishankar's rhetoric deserve further exploration. While he criticizes the perceived lecturing from European nations, he also acknowledges that "some of it has changed," suggesting a recognition that not all European actors are monolithic in their approach to India. This points to a strategic calculation, perhaps identifying specific European nations or political factions more amenable to India's perspective. Targeting criticism selectively, rather than adopting a blanket condemnation, allows India to maintain channels of communication and potentially build stronger relationships with more understanding partners within the European Union. Furthermore, the emphasis on "mutuality of interest" is not simply a rejection of ideological considerations; it's a pragmatic assertion of India's agency in international relations. It signals that India will prioritize its own developmental and security needs, even if those needs sometimes diverge from Western expectations. This doesn't necessarily imply a rejection of shared values, but rather a reordering of priorities based on India's specific context and circumstances. The reference to "Russia realism" and "America realism" is particularly insightful. It suggests that India applies a similar pragmatic lens to its relationships with all major powers, recognizing that each nation acts primarily in its own self-interest. This approach allows India to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world without being overly constrained by ideological baggage or historical alliances. It also positions India as a potential bridge-builder between competing powers, capable of fostering dialogue and cooperation even in the face of geopolitical tensions. Moreover, the choice of the Arctic Circle India Forum as the platform for these remarks is strategic in itself. The Arctic is a region of growing geopolitical significance, and India's engagement in the region underscores its commitment to playing a responsible role in addressing global challenges. By hosting this forum, India is positioning itself as a key player in the Arctic discourse and signaling its willingness to work with other stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development of the region. This also provides a platform for India to showcase its scientific expertise and technological capabilities, further enhancing its credibility as a responsible global actor. In essence, Jaishankar's statements reflect a carefully calibrated strategy aimed at asserting India's autonomy in international relations, building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests, and promoting a more multipolar world order. This strategy requires a nuanced understanding of geopolitical dynamics, a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, and a commitment to pragmatic solutions. It also underscores India's growing confidence in its own capabilities and its determination to play a leading role in shaping the future of the international system.
Source: 'Need partners, not preachers': EAM S Jaishankar hits out at Europe