EAM S. Jaishankar Defends India's Democracy, Highlights Robust Electoral Participation
S. Jaishankar Challenges Western Perceptions of Democracy at Munich Security Conference
Munich: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a firm stance at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025, challenging the Western notion that democracy is an exclusively Western characteristic. Speaking on the panel "Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience", Jaishankar shared the stage with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.
Rejecting the gloomy global outlook on democracy, Jaishankar highlighted India’s democratic resilience and electoral strength, stating that democracy is not in crisis everywhere.
Jaishankar on India’s Democratic Strength
Expressing optimism, Jaishankar underscored that India’s democracy has delivered, citing its robust electoral participation. He pointed to the recent elections in Delhi and the 2024 parliamentary elections, emphasizing India's efficient and transparent voting process.
Displaying the ink mark on his index finger as proof of his participation in recent state elections, he noted:
"In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of eligible voters participate. In our last national elections, out of an electorate of 900 million, around 700 million people voted. We count the votes in a single day, and the results are undisputed."
Rejecting the idea that democracy is struggling worldwide, he added:
"Right now, we are living well, voting well, and we are optimistic about the direction of our democracy. For us, democracy has actually delivered."
"Democracy Does Put Food on the Table" – A Dig at the West
During the discussion, Jaishankar directly countered US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remark that democracy "does not put food on the table."
"Actually, in my part of the world, it does," Jaishankar responded. "Because we are a democratic society, we provide nutrition support and food to 800 million people. That’s not just politics—that’s a matter of health and survival for millions."
Stressing that democracy functions differently in various parts of the world, he urged Western nations to stop treating their experiences as universal:
"Different regions have different experiences with democracy. Some parts of the world are doing well, while others are struggling. But let’s not generalize and say democracy is failing globally."
Criticism of Western Double Standards
Jaishankar also took aim at the West’s historical approach to democracy, arguing that it often preaches democracy at home but supports non-democratic regimes abroad.
"There was a time when the West treated democracy as an exclusively Western characteristic while backing non-democratic forces in the Global South. Even today, we see cases where the values that are championed domestically are not upheld internationally."
He emphasized that India’s democratic model is more relatable for many Global South nations than the Western model.
"India, as a historically open and pluralistic society, has remained democratic despite economic hardships. Unlike many others in our region, we have stayed true to democracy. If the West truly wants democracy to prevail, it must embrace successful models outside its own borders."
Munich Security Conference 2025: A Platform for Global Debate
The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025, held from February 14-16 in Germany, serves as a key global forum for foreign policy and security discussions. Sharing his experience on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote:
"Started the #MSC2025 with a panel on ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience.’ Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference."
As the global debate on democracy continues, Jaishankar’s firm stance has reinforced India’s position as a strong and self-sustaining democratic nation, while challenging outdated Western perspectives.