New Delhi, May 4 -- India seeks "partners" rather than "preachers," and Europe must demonstrate "sensitivity" and a "mutuality of interest" to deepen ties with New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Sunday, in a pointed critique of certain European nations' responses to major geopolitical upheavals, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During an interactive session, Jaishankar observed that Europe has "entered a certain zone of reality check" as he elaborated on the subtleties of India's stance of "Russia realism" and the significance of the relationship between the two countries.

He emphasised that India has consistently advocated "Russia realism," highlighting the "important fit" and "complementarity" between In...