At the Munich Security Conference 2025, S. Jaishankar defended India’s democracy, refuting claims of global democratic decline. He emphasized high voter turnout in India and argued that democracy positively impacts food security and governance. Jaishankar called for a recognition of diverse global democratic experiences, urging Western countries to understand successful models outside their own.
During the Munich Security Conference 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s democratic integrity against the prevailing Western narrative of global democratic decline. Participating in a panel discussion, he emphasized that India’s democratic practices are thriving, contrasting them with pessimistic views upheld by some Western leaders. Jaishankar accentuated the high voter turnout in Indian elections, with approximately 700 million voting out of 900 million eligible voters during the last national election.
Jaishankar articulated his position by showcasing his inked finger, a symbol of his recent participation in elections. He highlighted that voting participation has increased significantly over the decades, arguing that democracy in India is performing well. He stated that it is erroneous to generalize that democracy is failing globally, asserting that “we are living well. We are voting well. We are optimistic about the direction of our democracy.”
Responding to remarks made by US Senator Elissa Slotkin regarding the correlation between democracy and food security, Jaishankar countered that democracy indeed contributes positively in his region. He noted the Indian government provides nutritional support to around 800 million citizens, underscoring the tangible benefits of democratic governance. He urged recognition of the diverse experiences with democracy across the globe, emphasizing that different regions face unique challenges and must engage in honest discussions about governance.
Jaishankar acknowledged the existence of issues within democracy but attributed some challenges to the international model of globalization adopted over the last few decades. He declared that India remains committed to its democratic principles, even when faced with adversity. He implored Western nations to acknowledge and learn from successful democratic practices found outside their own regions, urging a broader appreciation of diverse democratic experiences.
The 61st Munich Security Conference, taking place in Germany, is set to conclude on February 16, focusing on critical discussions surrounding foreign and security policies. Jaishankar’s remarks reflect a commitment to uphold and promote the value of democracy in India and voice a different narrative on global democratic resilience.
S. Jaishankar’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference highlight India’s robust democratic practices amidst prevailing pessimism in Western discourse. He argued against the notion of global democratic decline by showcasing India’s high voter turnout and the tangible benefits of democracy in addressing societal needs. Jaishankar’s call for a broader understanding of diverse democratic experiences emphasizes the importance of localized governance models and the necessity for the global community to appreciate successful democratic practices beyond Western frameworks.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
