S. Jaishankar Defends Indian Democracy at Munich Security Conference 2025

At the Munich Security Conference 2025, S. Jaishankar defended Indian democracy against Western claims of global decline. He showcased high voter participation in India, countering views that democracy is struggling. Highlighting the positive impacts of democracy in India, he urged a recognition of differing democratic experiences across various regions.

At the Munich Security Conference 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar characterized democracy differently from the prevalent Western perspective of global democratic decline. During a panel discussion entitled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’, he underscored the vitality of Indian democracy and cited active voting participation.

Jaishankar displayed his inked finger, a sign of having exercised his right to vote, and remarked on the high voter turnout in India, where approximately 700 million out of 900 million eligible voters participated in the national elections. He emphasized that all ballots are counted within a single day, illustrating the effectiveness of the electoral process.

He challenged the notion that democracy is faltering worldwide, stating, “For us democracy is actually delivered.” Jaishankar indicated that voter participation has increased by 20 percent compared to historical trends, asserting a positive outlook on India’s democratic practices.

Addressing a comment from U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin regarding the relationship between democracy and basic needs, Jaishankar responded, “Actually, in my part of the world, it does.” He noted that India’s democratic policies help provide nutritional support to 800 million citizens, demonstrating how democracy directly impacts daily life.

Jaishankar contended that different regions experience unique democratic dialogues, asserting that the challenges in some regions stem from accumulated issues related to globalization over the past few decades. He called for genuine discussions addressing why democracy may falter in certain areas.

In a post shared on X, he articulated his disagreement with widespread political pessimism and stressed the importance of recognizing foreign interference in domestic affairs. He cited India’s commitment to democracy as a reflection of its consultative and pluralistic society, advocating for a broader understanding of successful democratic models worldwide.

As the 61st Munich Security Conference convened from February 14 to 16, 2025, it provided a platform for crucial discussions on foreign and security policy.

In conclusion, S. Jaishankar presented a robust defense of Indian democracy at the Munich Security Conference, contrasting it with the challenges perceived by the West. He highlighted India’s voter engagement and the societal benefits of democracy, encouraging a recognition of diverse democratic experiences globally. His remarks advocate for understanding varied narratives surrounding democracy rather than subscribing to a universal decline notion.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com