‘Selective Targeting of India Is Unfair and Unjustified’: Jaishankar on Ukraine Conflict

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said India is being unfairly singled out on global issues, stressing that selective criticism of New Delhi over the Ukraine conflict is neither right nor justified. He made the remarks during talks with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi.

Highlighting the current phase of global uncertainty and transformation, Jaishankar said countries must be treated equally during such turbulent times. Referring specifically to the Ukraine war, he reiterated that India has consistently and openly shared its position and believes that targeting India selectively serves no purpose.

“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. While doing so, I have also repeatedly underlined that the selective targeting of India is both unfair and unjustified,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Talks Held Amid Global Uncertainty

During the meeting, Jaishankar noted that although India and Poland are geographically distant, both face their own set of challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global environment. He emphasised the importance of regular dialogue and stronger cooperation between the two countries.

The minister also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, which elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. He said both sides would review the Action Plan 2024–28 to further deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, technology and innovation.

Strong Stand on Terrorism

Jaishankar also urged Poland to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, particularly in India’s neighbourhood. He cautioned against any form of support that could encourage or sustain terrorist infrastructure, underlining that cross-border terrorism remains a major concern for India.

Noting Sikorski’s familiarity with the region, Jaishankar said Poland should be mindful of the long-standing challenges posed by terrorism and ensure it does not contribute, directly or indirectly, to such threats.

India has repeatedly maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to resolving global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine — a position it has reiterated at international forums such as the United Nations.