S. Jaishankar Defends Indian Democracy Amid Global Concerns at Munich Security Conference

S. Jaishankar, at the Munich Security Conference, defended India’s democracy against Western claims of global decline. He noted high voter turnout in recent elections and argued that democracy supports economic welfare in India. Jaishankar encouraged recognizing diverse democratic experiences, stressing India’s resilience in maintaining its democratic values despite challenges.

At the Munich Security Conference 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, defended India’s democratic processes amidst claims of a global democratic decline prevalent in Western narratives. During a panel discussion themed ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience,’ he expressed optimism about India’s democracy, highlighting recent national elections where approximately 700 million out of 900 million eligible voters exercised their rights.

Jaishankar, pointing to the ink mark on his finger as a symbol of electoral participation, stated, “This, the mark you see on my nail, is a mark of a person who has just voted.” He emphasized that the voting results in India are widely accepted and indeed reflect an increasing voter turnout compared to past decades, challenging the notion of universal democratic crises.

Addressing U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remarks regarding democracy’s practical value, Jaishankar argued that in India, democracy supports economic well-being by providing food and nutrition to 800 million citizens. He underscored the importance of recognizing that democracy’s effectiveness varies globally and invited more nuanced discussions about its challenges.

He further noted that many fixations on democracy’s decline stem from issues linked to globalization over the last 25-30 years. Expressing disagreement with the prevailing pessimistic outlook, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to its democratic model, which he believed remains relevant and instructive for many nations of the Global South.

Furthermore, Jaishankar reflected on the West’s historical view of democracy as a Western trait, suggesting that a wider acceptance of diverse democratic models could foster global democracy. He reiterated that despite facing numerous challenges, India’s democratic framework has proven resilient.

The Munich Security Conference 2025, held from February 14-16 in Germany, serves as a significant venue for high-level discussions on pressing foreign and security policy issues, enabling leaders to address and analyze contemporary challenges.

In summary, S. Jaishankar articulated a strong defense of Indian democracy at the Munich Security Conference, asserting its progress and resilience contrary to the prevailing Western narrative of global democratic decline. He highlighted substantial voter participation and the role of democracy in sustaining economic welfare, urging for greater appreciation of diverse democratic paths. His statements reflect India’s unique experience and the need for inclusive discussions about democratic health worldwide.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com