Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Brussels this week and held meetings with top EU leaders. These included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas. He underscored India’s growing global role and addressed concerns over several EU policies, according to a report by Euractiv.
India Positions Itself as a Trusted Economic Partner
Jaishankar reportedly described India as a more dependable partner than China. He emphasized the country’s vast skilled workforce and large population as strong economic assets. He stated that India, with its 1.4 billion people, offers not just scale but also reliability — something many businesses now value more than ever.
India Responds Firmly to Global Terrorism Narratives
While speaking about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Jaishankar reportedly challenged the framing of India’s counter-terror efforts as regional tension. He reminded EU leaders about Osama bin Laden’s long-time refuge in a Pakistani military town, asking why the global community ignores such facts. According to him, terrorism should not be seen as just a South Asian problem, but as a threat that will eventually impact the wider world.
India Maintains Neutral Ground on Russia-Ukraine War
When questioned on India’s stance regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar maintained that India prefers diplomacy over conflict. He clarified that India does not support war as a solution and believes peace must come through dialogue. He explained that India does not dictate how others should handle disputes but also refuses to be a passive observer.
Jaishankar also responded to criticism of India’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia. He noted that India has strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine. He stressed that every country must weigh its foreign policy decisions based on its unique experiences, interests, and history.
India Reminds Europe of Western Double Standards
Jaishankar offered a historical lens to explain India’s foreign policy. He recalled how, just months after India gained independence, its borders were violated during the invasion of Kashmir. At that time, he pointed out, Western nations did not support India’s position. He said that if those same countries now seek principled dialogue on international norms, India has the right to ask them to examine their past actions.
Multipolar World Demands Fresh Diplomacy
Jaishankar expressed that the world is no longer dominated by a single power. He noted that Europe is becoming more autonomous and must now make decisions that prioritize its own interests. He stated that this shift reflects a truly multipolar world, where multiple regions — including India and the EU — play central roles. He added that the term “strategic autonomy,” now used by European leaders, was once a key concept in India’s foreign policy.
India Disagrees with EU’s Climate Tariff Policy
Jaishankar openly criticized the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He said India strongly opposes parts of the policy, especially the idea of one region setting global standards. He conveyed that India had clearly communicated its reservations to the EU.
India Ready to Work With Any US Leader
When asked whether India trusts former U.S. President Donald Trump, Jaishankar avoided naming individuals. He stated that India engages with the world as it is, not based on who holds office. He emphasized that the U.S. relationship remains vital for India, regardless of which leader is in power.
European Companies Shifting Supply Chains to India
Jaishankar noted that many European companies now prefer India over China to de-risk their operations. He said businesses are not only focused on efficiency but also security and reliability. He claimed that these companies would rather store sensitive data in countries they trust — and India fits that criteria.
