New Delhi: In a pointed message to the international community, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday asserted that India is being unfairly singled out on global issues, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict. Speaking during talks with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, Jaishankar said that selective targeting of India is “unjustified and unfair,” emphasizing that all countries must be treated equally in a rapidly changing world.

India’s Stand on Ukraine

Referring to recent international engagements, Jaishankar said that India has consistently shared its perspective on the Ukraine war openly and candidly. “In the recent past, both in New York last September and in Paris this January, I have candidly shared our views on the Ukraine conflict and its implications,” he said, adding, “While doing so, I have also repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified.”

He stressed that India’s approach has always been guided by principles of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace, rather than confrontation, and that holding India responsible in isolation for the complexities of the conflict is neither reasonable nor constructive.

Strengthening India-Poland Ties

During the meeting with Sikorski, Jaishankar highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Poland. Despite geographical differences, both nations face opportunities and challenges in a world marked by uncertainty. He underscored the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation between the two countries to navigate these changes effectively.

Jaishankar also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, which elevated bilateral relations to a strategic level. “We will be reviewing the Action Plan 2024-28 to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, technology, and innovation,” he said. The talks focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in multiple sectors to bolster economic and security ties between the two democracies.

Message on Terrorism

A significant part of the discussion centered on security issues. Jaishankar conveyed a strong message on cross-border terrorism, urging Poland to adopt zero tolerance towards terrorism and avoid supporting or enabling networks that threaten India’s security.

“Deputy Prime Minister, you are no stranger to our region and are familiar with the long-standing challenges of cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar said. “Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood.” The remarks reflect India’s broader diplomatic effort to engage European countries on security concerns emanating from its neighbourhood.

Context of the Global Churn

Jaishankar contextualized the discussions within the broader changes taking place on the global stage. He noted that the world is navigating a period of significant uncertainty and that countries must be treated equitably, particularly when assessing their positions in global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.

India has maintained that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, a position reiterated at multiple forums including the United Nations. The minister’s remarks underscore India’s desire for a balanced and nuanced understanding of its foreign policy choices rather than one of selective criticism.

India-Europe Relations

The meeting with Poland also emphasized India’s strategic engagement with Europe, which Jaishankar described as “ready to grow further.” Strengthening ties with European partners, he said, can contribute to global stability during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. India is seeking to consolidate partnerships in trade, technology, innovation, and defence, ensuring that its European engagements are both broad-based and mutually beneficial.

Looking Ahead

The minister’s statements signal India’s broader push for fair treatment in international affairs while reinforcing its strategic priorities in Europe. Through these engagements, India aims to not only defend its policy choices but also strengthen cooperation on security, economic development, and innovation with partners who share common democratic values.

By reiterating India’s principled stance on Ukraine and highlighting its constructive engagement with Europe, Jaishankar sought to convey that India will continue to engage globally based on strategic interests, dialogue, and diplomacy, while resisting any attempts to isolate or selectively criticize the country.

The meeting with Poland’s leadership reflects India’s ongoing effort to position itself as a responsible global player, advocating for dialogue-based conflict resolution, equitable treatment in global affairs, and stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships across Europe and beyond.

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