During a panel at the Munich Security Conference, S. Jaishankar defended India’s democratic resilience against claims of global democratic decline, highlighting high voter turnout and effective governance. He emphasized the importance of understanding varying experiences of democracy around the world and criticized the West for its historical shortcomings in supporting democratic efforts openly.
At the Munich Security Conference, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, presented a contrasting view to the prevailing narrative that democracy is struggling globally. He emphasized the resilience of democracy in India, citing robust electoral participation and successful national elections. With two-thirds of eligible voters participating in elections, he proclaimed that in India, democracy is performing well and delivering results, insisting that the belief in widespread democratic dysfunction does not apply universally.
Jaishankar highlighted the escalating voter engagement, noting a 20% increase in voter turnout over recent decades. He expressed optimism about India’s democratic process, showcasing his personal experience having just voted. He also addressed the assertion by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin regarding democracy’s inability to provide essential needs, arguing that in India, democracy indeed plays a vital role in ensuring food security for 800 million citizens through comprehensive nutrition support programs.
In conclusion, Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference underscored the positive trajectory of democracy in India, countering the notion of a global democratic crisis. He urged recognition of diverse global democratic experiences while suggesting that western perspectives often overlook successful non-western democratic models. His statements call for honest discourse on the challenges faced by democracies worldwide without generalizing their circumstances.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
