At the Munich Security Conference, S. Jaishankar asserted the vitality of India’s democracy, countering the Western narrative of global democratic decline. He illustrated this through substantial voter turnout and highlighted India’s provision of food security as a democratic achievement. Jaishankar urged for a broader understanding of democracy’s performance worldwide, advocating for the recognition of successful models outside the Western paradigm.
At the 2025 Munich Security Conference, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended his country’s democratic framework, taking a stand against the view that democracy globally is facing decline. Engaging in a panel discussion on strengthening democracy, he stood out among other speakers, including the Prime Minister of Norway and a U.S. Senator, by articulating a positive perspective on Indian democracy.
While addressing concerns raised about the state of Western democracies, Jaishankar showcased an inked finger, a symbol of his recent vote, to signify India’s active electoral participation. He emphasized that around two-thirds of eligible voters in India engage in elections, citing that 700 million out of 900 million eligible voters actively participated in the most recent national elections.
Jaishankar articulated that democracy is functioning well in India, stating, “…for us democracy is actually delivered.” He refuted the notion of worldwide democratic distress, asserting that the country continues to manage elections efficiently and vote counts are completed within one day. He highlighted that voter turnout has increased over the decades by 20 percent.
In response to U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s assertion that democracy does not directly address basic needs like food security, Jaishankar countered that democracy in India plays a crucial role in providing nutrition assistance to 800 million citizens, stressing that diverse regions experience democracy differently. He advocated for substantive dialogue concerning different democratic experiences globally.
Jaishankar further condemned the oversimplification of a global crisis in democracy, pointing out systemic issues related to prolonged globalization models over the past decades. He asserted that the Western perspective often fails to recognize the unique democratic paths taken by countries like India.
In a remark shared via social media, Jaishankar reaffirmed his optimistic view about democracy in the face of widespread skepticism. He reflected on India’s commitment to a democratic model since independence and proposed that nations in the Global South might find more relevant democratic examples in India than traditional Western models.
The Munich Security Conference commenced on February 14 and will conclude on February 16, providing a significant platform for discussions on international security and foreign policy.
The 2025 Munich Security Conference showcased S. Jaishankar’s staunch defense of India’s democracy against predominant Western narratives of decline. He highlighted India’s robust electoral participation and emphasized the diverse experiences of democracy across the globe. Jaishankar’s remarks not only reinforced India’s position in democratic discourse but also underscored the importance of embracing various democratic models in a global context.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
