[By Guancha Observer Network, Xiong Chaoyi] According to reports by The Times of India and "RT", on May 4th local time, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, while attending the Arctic Circle India Forum, talked about the relationship between India and Europe, accusing European leaders of hypocrisy on issues involving India.

"When we look at the world, we are looking for partners, not lecturers—especially those who do not practice at home what they preach abroad," he mentioned this "discrepancy between words and deeds" in Europe, and stated that although some European countries have begun to adapt to the new geopolitical reality, many others remain trapped in this dilemma of 'discrepancy between words and deeds' (or 'double standards')."

The Times of India interpreted that Jaishankar's harsh words towards Europe were related to recent comments made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell regarding the conflict between India and Pakistan. From India's perspective, the EU has continuously "stirred up trouble" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, inciting Ukraine to escalate tensions, while urging restraint and de-escalation between India and Pakistan, which created a stark contrast that greatly annoyed India.

In addition, according to Business World magazine and the on-site video, when commenting on Europe's hesitant pursuit of "strategic autonomy," Jaishankar sharply pointed out that the model where Europe is overly dependent on the United States for security, on Russia for energy, and on China for markets is being cruelly tested by reality.

On May 4th local time, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attended the Arctic Circle India Forum. Photo by Jaishankar on X platform.

It was reported that during this forum event, Jaishankar discussed the factors affecting the relationship between India and Europe. He also acknowledged that New Delhi has good relations with some countries on the European continent, while having poor relations with others.

"But from our point of view, if we want to develop partnerships, there must be certain mutual understanding, certain strategic sensitivity, common interests, and recognition of how the world operates," he argued, "The progress of various European countries in this regard varies; some are making great strides forward, while others are moving slowly."

This Indian foreign minister also stated that Western countries previously tried to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict without involving Russia, which "challenges the basic principles of realism." In contrast, India adopts a pragmatic attitude towards its relationship with Russia, which he calls "realistic Russia." He emphasized that this is based on strong synergies between India and Russia, with an interdependent partnership where Russia is a major resource supplier and India is an important consumer.

RT noted that despite concerns expressed by the West, India has strengthened its diplomatic relations with Russia and increased imports of Russian crude oil during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, indicating New Delhi's commitment to an independent foreign policy.

The Times of India said that Jaishankar's remarks at this time are "highly significant," given the recent tensions in India-Pakistan relations and the EU's response.

The immediate trigger for the latest escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan was the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22nd in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region, where suspected militants fired at tourists, resulting in at least 26 deaths. Currently, the situation in the area is escalating further.

On May 2nd local time, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell posted on the social media platform X: "The increasingly tense relationship between India and Pakistan is concerning. I urge both sides to exercise restraint and ease tensions through dialogue; escalation benefits no one. Today, I conveyed these messages to Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar (Ishaq Dar, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister)."

On April 24th local time, after the shooting incident in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, Indian soldiers stepped up patrols. Photo by IC Photo.

The Times of India also mentioned in its report that this was not the first time Jaishankar had made such strong statements against the EU.

In 2022, Jaishankar refuted European claims that India's position on the Ukraine issue might affect global support for India, stating that although relations between India and China are "difficult," India is fully capable of handling them. He also mentioned that Europe must shed its mindset of "Europe's problems are the world's problems, but the world's problems are not Europe's problems."

Jaishankar's latest remarks on Europe also reminded people of French President Macron's comments earlier this year.

In February, as the new US administration took office and the Russia-Ukraine conflict underwent new developments, Macron, in an exclusive interview with the British Financial Times, described Trump's return to the White House as a "shock" (electroshock), emphasizing that it should awaken Europeans from a state of "strategic dependence" and consider how to ensure their own future, as well as Ukraine's.

"This model says that you use China as your export channel, the US as your security umbrella, and cheap Russian gas for production; forget about these three conditions," Macron urgently called for Europe to strengthen its defense and economy shortly after Trump and Putin spoke on the phone.

He believed that the world is currently in an "extreme strategic uncertainty," which can be evidenced by Trump's out-of-the-box remarks such as "taking over Gaza" and "buying Greenland." Regarding Europe's development and the major challenges it faces, the French president had many ideas in military, finance, artificial intelligence, green transformation, and other areas. However, Macron admitted that Europe's recovery may take "5 to 10 years," while his term ends in 2027.

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501255209964864040/

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