External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently launched a scathing criticism of the Western world’s handling of the global order, accusing it of contradictions and self-serving stories. In his address at the Raisina Dialogue and in an interview with the Financial Times, he questioned the hyped virtues of the post-1945 world order, which he referred to as “a product of its times.” His comments have raised controversy among champions of the current global power structure, especially in Europe.

Challenging the ‘Rules-Based Order’

Jaishankar’s remarks were in the context of the current debate surrounding Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt contended that the need to stand by Ukraine was crucial because “Ukraine is about international law, not just European values—respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Jaishankar, however, rebutted that such normative stands become untenable unless there is consistency.

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“Where these normative postures go wrong is that without consistency, they become unsustainable,” Jaishankar said, adding that the Western countries only apply these regulations selectively, that too in their own interest.

Emphasizing Western Double Standards

Jaishankar cited historical instances of Western duplicity, especially referring to Kashmir. “We all talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity. It’s an important principle, a foundation of international norms. Since the Second World War, the longest continuing illegal occupation of a territory by another nation refers to India, what we experienced in Kashmir,” he declared.

He pointed out how, when India went to the United Nations about Pakistan’s invasion, it was turned into a ‘dispute’ and not an aggression. “The aggressor and the victim were equated. Who were the guilty? UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, USA. So, forgive me, I have question marks on that one.”

Unmasking the West’s Changing Position on Taliban

Jaishankar also doubted the Western way of dealing with the Taliban. “The same Taliban which was an outlier, was embraced in the Doha process, embraced in Oslo… at that time people were alright with it. Today again we are saying, Taliban is doing all these not so good things… You had a British general referring to the Taliban once as ‘country boys with their own honour code’.

He highlighted how Western countries conveniently change their position according to geopolitical expediency. “When it is convenient for you to negotiate with the Taliban, they are fine. When it is not convenient, they are not fine.”

Call for a Fair and Strong Global Order

Jaishankar called for reforms in international governance, asserting that a really robust global order has to be equitable. “We need a strong UN, but a strong UN has to be a fair UN. A strong global order has to have some minimum consistency of standards,” he said.

He also highlighted the selective outrage in the West against military coups. “We have military coups to our east in Myanmar. They are no-no. We have them even more regularly to the west. You know where? They seem to be okay.”

India’s Role in a Multipolar World

Referring to India’s role in the world order, Jaishankar set out four defining dimensions:

Member of the Global South – India’s role is defined by its colonial past. Democracy and Market Economy – Based on indigenous roots, India’s democratic framework remains strong. Strategic Dexterity – India has managed to survive in a world that has not always been friendly to it, cultivating long-term strategic acumen. Advocate for Multipolarity – Being the fifth-largest economy and the largest population, India wants a multipolar world where it is a major power.

Jaishankar’s observations reflect India’s confident approach in international diplomacy, countering Western duplicity in promoting a better-balanced global order. His criticism at Raisina Dialogue is a cry for more honesty and equity in international governance.