Image Credit: DrSJaishankar
EAM Jaishankar Says US and Europe Principles Are ‘Selectively Applied’
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised Western countries, including the United States and Europe, for what he described as “selective application” of principles during a speech at the East Asia Summit. He pointed specifically to pressure on India to end its purchases of Russian oil and highlighted how energy trade has become increasingly constrained by policy decisions he said were inconsistent.
Key Comments
Jaishankar said that while global norms are often invoked, they are not always applied with consistency. He stated that “principles are applied selectively and what is preached is not necessarily practiced,” referring to energy supply restrictions and sanctions that affect trade flows and markets. He said the increasing constriction in energy trade is distorting markets and affecting food security, technology access and supply chains.
Broader Context
India has repeatedly raised concerns over sanctions and supply restrictions that it contends affect emerging economies disproportionately. At the summit, Jaishankar linked these issues to the realities of a multipolar world and called for more equitable frameworks that reflect changing global dynamics.
