S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s democratic resilience during the Munich Security Conference 2025, countering Western views of global democratic decline. Demonstrating optimism, he noted high voter participation in elections and argued that democracy effectively addresses food security in India. Jaishankar called for a nuanced understanding of democracy across different global contexts.
At the Munich Security Conference 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended the state of democracy in India, contrasting it with the Western pessimistic perspective of global democratic decline. Engaging in a panel titled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’, alongside notable figures such as Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, Jaishankar shared his insights on the health of democracy around the world.
Jaishankar, expressing optimism amidst prevailing pessimism, showcased his inked finger, symbolizing recent participation in India’s electoral process. He highlighted that approximately 67% of eligible voters engaged in the elections, with over 700 million casting their votes in the national elections. “We count the votes in a single day,” he stated, underscoring India’s efficiency in democratic processes.
Addressing the caveats of global democratic struggles, Jaishankar asserted, “Nobody disputes the (election) result after it’s announced,” emphasizing the increasing voter turnout over the decades. He argued against the notion that democracy globally is facing turmoil, reiterating that democracy in India “is actually delivered” and that the nation continues to grow in its democratic practices.
In response to Senator Slotkin’s comment asserting that “democracy doesn’t put food on the table,” Jaishankar countered, stating that in India, democracy indeed contributes significantly to food security for a vast population. He remarked that government initiatives have provided nutrition support to approximately 800 million individuals, illustrating the tangible benefits of democracy in addressing socio-economic issues.
Jaishankar pointed out that the discourse on democracy varies significantly from region to region, advocating for a deeper understanding of these differences. He acknowledged the accumulated issues linked to globalization’s trajectory over the past few decades. Reflecting on India’s democratic journey, he noted that the country has consistently adhered to democratic principles despite various challenges, while urging Western nations to consider alternative successful democratic models beyond their borders.
In summary, S. Jaishankar’s comments at the Munich Security Conference shed light on the resilience of democracy in India compared to global narratives of decline. He emphasized the active participation of voters in India and the positive outcomes derived from democratic governance. His remarks serve as a call for a broader understanding of democratic practices across different contexts, advocating for respect and recognition of varied democratic experiences worldwide.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
