External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized what he referred to as "different standards" being applied to India's neighbors in the East and West during his keynote address at the IIC-Bruegel Annual Seminar in Delhi. This statement was made on February 4, 2025. Here are the key points from his critique:
Selective Application of Principles: Jaishankar pointed out that the world is witnessing two major conflicts, which are often presented as matters of principle, but the application of these principles has been selective and uneven. He implied that the same standards are not uniformly applied across different regions or conflicts.
India's Experience: He highlighted India's own experiences, mentioning the ongoing occupation of its territory and the overlooking of terrorism when it suits certain geopolitical strategies, without naming specific countries but hinting at Pakistan in the context of terrorism.
Multipolarity: Jaishankar asserted that the world is entering a time of multipolarity, where global power is distributed among multiple centers rather than being dominated by one or two superpowers. This reflects a shift from the traditional unipolar or bipolar world order.
India-EU Relationship: He emphasized the importance of the India-European Union relationship as a stabilizing factor in this volatile and uncertain world, pointing to increased cooperation in defense, security, and technology as examples of this deepening engagement.
This critique is part of a broader narrative where Jaishankar often speaks about the need for a more equitable international system that recognizes the interests of all nations, especially those in the Global South, and does not adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach to international law and diplomacy. His comments were reported across various news outlets like News18, The Economic Times, ANI, and Business Standard, reflecting the significance of this discourse in current global political discussions.
