On Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar retorted sharply to the United States and European Union over selectively targeting India over purchases of Russian oil amid the country's conflict with Ukraine. Speaking during talks with the Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Jaishankar made it a point that India's concerns are more than the recent American tariffs, which have been imposed to add Western pressure on the purchasing of oil from Russia.
What did S. Jaishankar say?
In the speech, Dr. Jaishankar said, "Today, our conversation will naturally cover regional and global developments. In particular, an exchange on assessments on our respective neighbourhoods would be useful. You have been speaking about it publicly during your visit as well."
He highlighted the "selective targeting of India" in his speech, saying, "In recent past, both in New York last September and in Paris this January, I have candidly shared with you 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. I do so again today."
Asking Poland to show zero-tolerance towards terrorism, and talking a swipe at Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's trip to Pakistan in October 2025, the Minister of External Affairs added, "Deputy Prime Minister, you are no stranger to our region and are certainly familiar with the longstanding challenge 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."
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S. Jaishankar on India-Poland ties
MEA Jaishankar also talked about the relationship that India and Poland have had. "India and Poland have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly ties. In recent years, it has been marked by high-level political exchanges and vibrant economic and people-to-people ties. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Poland in August 2024 saw our relationship elevated to a Strategic Partnership status," Jaishankar said.
"Poland is one of India's largest trading partners in Central Europe. Our bilateral trade, I believe, stands at USD 7 billion, having registered growth of almost 200% in the past decade. Indian investment in Poland has surpassed USD 3 billion, creating a number of job opportunities for Poles. India's strong economic growth, size of its market and pro-investment policies, provide immense opportunity for Polish businesses," the MEA added.
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Dr. Jaishankar's remarks made it clear that India will defend its choices and speak openly when it feels unfairly singled out. At the same time, he used the meeting to stress long-standing ties with Poland and shared interests in trade, security, and regional stability. The message was firm but measured: India expects fairness from partners, even as it works to deepen cooperation.
