New Delhi, May 5, 2025 — India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a sharp rebuke to Western nations, particularly in Europe, accusing them of attempting to sway New Delhi’s geopolitical stance. Speaking at the Arctic Circle India Forum alongside Iceland’s former President Ólafur Grímsson and Observer Research Foundation chief Samir Saran, Jaishankar emphasized that India seeks “partners, not preachers.” He pointedly noted, “Some parts of Europe still have this problem,” highlighting a perceived tendency to lecture rather than collaborate.

The minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in India-Pakistan relations following a recent attack in Pahalgam, which has pushed bilateral ties to a breaking point. New Delhi has imposed stringent sanctions on Islamabad, while Pakistan has responded with threats and countermeasures. In this context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently urged Jaishankar to pursue diplomatic resolutions, referencing the 1972 Simla Agreement and 1999 Lahore Declaration. However, Pakistan’s rejection of these frameworks has complicated dialogue. Jaishankar has also engaged with foreign ministers from four of the UN Security Council’s permanent members—France, the UK, the US, and Russia—excluding China, a close ally of Pakistan.

At the forum, Jaishankar was asked about India’s expectations from Europe. “We want partners, not advisors—especially not those whose advice doesn’t even serve them,” he said, stressing the need for mutual respect and sensitivity in partnerships. His comments reflect India’s frustration with Western nations that critique its policies while ignoring their own shortcomings. Analysts view Jaishankar’s stance as a strategic assertion of India’s sovereignty amid complex global dynamics.

As India navigates these challenges, Jaishankar’s call for equal partnerships underscores a broader demand for recognition of New Delhi’s growing influence. With geopolitical tensions rising, his message signals India’s intent to forge alliances based on shared interests, not unsolicited guidance.