Speaking at the GMF Brussels Forum 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated his frequently quoted 2022 statement calling on Europe to abandon the belief that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.” With a hint of humor, Jaishankar said that this phrase had been quoted back at him many times over the years, highlighting its relevance and the continuous discussion it generated in diplomatic circles.
Jaishankar clarified that Europe’s strategy has changed significantly in the three years since he made his initial remark. According to him, Europe has grown more independent and has begun to recognize its own strengths and weaknesses as well as the importance of appreciating the opinions of others in a multipolar world.
He emphasized that empathy and the capacity to consider other parties’ perspectives are essential for successful international relations, and that Europe’s prior interactions, particularly with Russia, lacked these skills.
In light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar contended that different accounts of how Europe changed after 1992 resulted from European policymakers’ incomplete understanding of Russian feelings and the historical background as seen from Moscow.
He emphasized that successful diplomacy requires an understanding of the interests, concerns, and behavioral characteristics of other nations. He also said that Europe should have taken into account how its decisions would have affected regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America more broadly, particularly during crises that affected the prices of food, fertilizer, and energy globally.
Jaishankar explained that the original meaning of his quote was to remind Europe to consider the struggles and interests of the Global South when making decisions that have global implications. He compared the current multipolar global order to a game of chess, in which strategic success depends on predicting the actions and intentions of other players.
In an era characterized by intricate interdependencies and shifting power dynamics, Jaishankar’s comments underscore both the growth of Europe’s global view and India’s demand for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to international affairs.
