S. Jaishankar Defends Indian Democracy at Munich Security Conference

At the Munich Security Conference 2025, S. Jaishankar defended Indian democracy against Western perceptions of decline. He highlighted India’s high voter turnout and efficiency in counting votes, countering claims that democracy does not address basic needs like food security. Jaishankar emphasized a nuanced view of democracy worldwide and urged recognition of successful models from different regions, particularly emphasizing India’s commitment to its democratic framework.

During the Munich Security Conference 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, defended the strength of Indian democracy, contradicting the prevalent Western perception of a global democratic decline. Engaging in a panel on “Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience,” he expressed optimism regarding India’s electoral participation and emphasized the successful conduct of elections with high voter turnout, despite contrasting views shared by Western political figures such as U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin.

Jaishankar showcased India’s democratic engagement by revealing that around two-thirds of eligible voters participate in elections, highlighting a significant increase in voter turnout over the decades. He remarked on India’s efficient electoral process, noting, “We count the votes in a single day,” which underscores the effectiveness of India’s democratic system.

In response to Senator Slotkin’s comment regarding democracy’s impact on basic needs like food security, Jaishankar countered, asserting that democracy is vital for food security in India, where democratic processes support nutritional aid for 800 million individuals. He urged a nuanced understanding of democracy worldwide, acknowledging different experiences and outcomes across various regions.

Jaishankar also criticized the oversimplified view that democracy is under threat globally, stating, “I mean, right now, we are living well. We are voting well. We are optimistic about the direction of our democracy and for us democracy is actually delivered.” His comments reflected a belief in democracy’s ongoing evolution, particularly in regions like India, where diverse societal structures influence the effectiveness of democratic practices.

The External Affairs Minister remarked on India’s commitment to democracy since independence, countering the notion that it is a Western-centric model. He urged Western countries to recognize and learn from successful democratic practices outside their own contexts, positing that the global South may find more relatable experiences in India’s journey rather than the historical Western framework. Jaishankar’s participation in the conference emphasizes India’s stance on democratic resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.

In summary, S. Jaishankar’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference highlighted the vibrancy of India’s democracy amidst global skepticism. He asserted that India continues to witness strong voter turnout and effectively supports food security through democratic means. Jaishankar’s insights encouraged a reassessment of how democratic success is perceived globally, advocating for recognition of diverse democratic experiences beyond Western models. His defense underscores India’s commitment to maintaining its democratic integrity despite global challenges.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com