External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has openly questioned what he described as Western double standards in reacting to conflicts around the world, referring specifically to international responses during India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He said that many countries, especially those far removed from South Asia, express concern over tensions in the region but fail to reflect on instability and violence within their own neighbourhoods.

Jaishankar made these remarks while speaking to members of the Indian community in Luxembourg City on Wednesday. His speech was conversational but direct, clearly reflecting India’s position on how global reactions and advice are often shaped by distance, selective concern, and self-interest.

Explaining India’s approach to dealing with other nations, Jaishankar said, “So those who are willing to work with us and be helpful, positive, we have to deal with them in that way. Those who do the kind of things which Pakistan does, we have to deal with them in a different way.” His statement underlined India’s belief that cooperation and responses must depend on the actions and intent of the other side.

Jaishankar also spoke about what he termed as “free advice” from the international community. He said that global commentary often lacks proper understanding, context, or consistency. According to him, countries are quick to comment on conflicts elsewhere, even when similar or worse situations exist closer to their own borders.

“People sitting far away will say things, sometimes with application of mind, sometimes not, sometimes with a self-interest, sometimes carelessly. That will happen,” he said. He added that in today’s world, most nations act primarily in their own interest, and genuine support is often missing even when advice is freely offered.

Referring to such reactions, Jaishankar remarked, “They’ll offer you free advice. If something happens, say, No, please don’t do that. It worries us if there is tension.” He said these expressions of concern are common, but they rarely come with meaningful engagement or understanding of the actual situation on the ground.

Speaking about the time around Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar recalled how India faced repeated cautions from different countries about how it should respond. He said India accepted this as part of global reality and chose to move forward without being distracted by inconsistent reactions.

“Sometimes you hear people say, like it happened during Operation Sindoor. Now, if you ask them, say, oh really you’re worried, why don’t you look at your own region? And ask yourself, what are the levels of violence there, how many risks have been taken, how much worry the rest of us have about what you are doing? But that’s the nature of the world. People, what they say is not what they do. And we have to accept it in that spirit as well,” Jaishankar said.

Beyond geopolitical issues, the External Affairs Minister said his visit to Luxembourg also focused on strengthening cooperation in other areas. He noted discussions on political engagement, business ties, and technology partnerships between India and Luxembourg.

Sharing his thoughts later on the social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, “Glad to interact with members of the Indian community in Luxembourg today. Underlined the significant deepening of our partnership with Luxembourg across political, business and technology domains. Appreciate the contributions of our diaspora in deepening India – Luxembourg ties.”

The interaction highlighted India’s consistent position on global issues and the importance it places on honest partnerships, while also acknowledging the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening international relationships.