India hopes for better relations with European Union

Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday slammed the double standards of Western countries over the progress made in Latin America during Operation Sandalwood. During an interaction with the Indian community, Dr. Jaishankar also emphasized the strong partnership between India and Luxembourg.

During the interaction, the Foreign Minister targeted countries that lecture India on regional tensions but ignore violence and threats in their own regions.

He said, "Sometimes people say such things, as they did during Operation Sandalwood. Now if you ask them, if you are really concerned, why don't you look at your own region? And ask yourself what the level of violence is, what risks are being taken, and how concerned the rest of us are about your actions. But that's the nature of the world, people do what they say with that sentiment, and we don't accept it."

Dr. Jaishankar's comments reflect the annoyance with countries that offer unsolicited advice on conflicts they do not fully understand. He said that distant countries often speak "without understanding the complexities or considering their own strategic interests." He said, "It's difficult to say how much impact events happening around the world will have on this. Distant people will sometimes speak thoughtfully, sometimes without thinking, sometimes in their own interest, and sometimes recklessly. These days, countries are becoming more self-centered and will only do what benefits them directly. They will keep giving you free advice."

The Foreign Minister clarified that India's stance depends on who it is dealing with. He said, "India is ready to engage positively and constructively with countries that want to work with New Delhi in a positive way, but those who behave like Pakistan should be dealt with differently."

Going beyond criticizing the alleged hypocrisy of Western countries, Dr. Jaishankar also highlighted the 78-year-old strong and growing relationship between India and Luxembourg.

He said that we have traveled a long distance and we consider Luxembourg not only on its own but also in the context of the European Union, especially at a time when our own relations with the European Union are also at a critical juncture.

"Your influence in shaping this broad relationship, the cooperation you provide, is very valuable to us. In many ways, you have been a champion of deepening the relationship between India and the European Union," he said.

After interacting with the Indian community, the Foreign Minister said in a social media post, "Delighted to meet members of the Indian community in Luxembourg today, highlighted the significant expansion of our partnership with Luxembourg in the fields of politics, business, and technology. I appreciate the contribution of our diaspora in strengthening India-Luxembourg relations."

He predicted a significant increase in India's engagements with Europe and termed it an era of rebalancing in the global order.

He said, "Every country, every region is re-evaluating its interests and calculations and seeing what we can do. In bringing India and the European Union closer, I can say with full confidence that relations with Europe will be promoted in 2026."