India values its partnership with Europe, says EAM Jaishankar. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India’s independent foreign policy stance during his visit to Munich earlier this week. In an interview with leading German daily Handelsblatt, the Minister noted that different countries will have varied perspectives due to their unique geographic locations and strategic interests.
Jaishankar said that while India appreciates Europe’s views on major powers like China and Russia, it also expects European partners to recognize differences in India’s approach and assessment of these countries. The Minister stated.
“Just as India does not insist Europe adopt an identical view of China as us, Europe too should accept there will naturally be variances in how we view Russia, given our independent ties spanning history,”
He further pointed out the reality of diverse relationships between nations. Jaishankar was quoted as saying.
“Each country engages other powers based on its priorities, challenges, and opportunities. To assume similarity or alignment across all contexts is unrealistic,”
The remarks came against the backdrop of intensifying India-Russia cooperation despite tensions in Europe over Moscow’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine. While affirming the importance of partnership with Europe.
The EAM’s remarks reaffirmed New Delhi’s time-tested stance of strategic autonomy in foreign policy decision-making. It signals India’s intent to pursue national interests through independent, multifaceted diplomacy rather than automatic alignment with major groups.
