S Jaishankar says selective targeting of India over Ukraine conflict unjustified

SJaishankar on mon said that bharat is face of the earth singled come out below the belt on global issues and made it clear that such selective treatment is not right or justified. The external affairs minister made these remarks while holding talks with Poland’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi.Jaishankar said the world is going through a period of major change and uncertainty, and in such times, countries must be treated equally. Referring to the Ukraine conflict, he said India has always shared its views openly and believes that blaming or targeting India selectively does not make sense, as quoted by news agency ANI.ALSO READ | India relations with Europe poised to grow to the next level: Jaishankar“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,” he said.Talks held amid global “churn”During the meeting, Jaishankar said India and Poland, though located in different regions, are both facing their own challenges and opportunities in a changing world. He stressed that it was important for the two countries to exchange views regularly and strengthen cooperation.ALSO READ | At UN, India backs 'diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine conflict'The minister also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, which raised bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. He said both sides would review the Action Plan 2024-28 to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, technology and innovation.Strong message on terrorismJaishankar urged Poland to maintain zero tolerance towards terrorism and warned against supporting or encouraging terrorist networks in India’s neighbourhood, ANI said. He noted that cross-border terrorism remains a serious concern for India.“Deputy Prime Minister, you are no stranger to our region and are more than familiar with the long-standing challenges of cross-border terrorism. I hope at this meeting to discuss some of your recent travels to the region. Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel the terrorist infrastructure in our neighbourhood,” he added.ALSO READ | India, Japan unveil new initiatives on critical minerals, AI and defence tiesIndia-Europe ties gaining momentumJaishankar’s remarks also fit into India’s broader engagement with Europe. As reported earlier by Hindustan Times, he has said India’s relationship with Europe is ready to grow further and can bring more stability to the global economy and politics during uncertain times.India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy, not war, are the only way forward in global conflicts like Ukraine, a position reiterated recently at the United Nations.(With inputs from ANI)