At the Munich Security Conference, S. Jaishankar defended India’s thriving democracy against the backdrop of global concerns about democratic decline. He emphasized India’s high voter turnout and the tangible benefits of democracy, countering remarks from US Senator Elissa Slotkin about democracy being disconnected from basic needs. Jaishankar advocated for a nuanced understanding of democracy that accommodates regional differences and encourages the West to acknowledge successful democratic models from the Global South.
During the Munich Security Conference, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his disagreement with the Western perspective that democracy is in peril worldwide. Rather, he asserted that India’s democratic framework is thriving and noted that recent elections saw a significant voter turnout. Engaging in a panel discussion, Jaishankar highlighted India’s robust electoral participation, citing that two-thirds of the eligible voters exercised their right to vote in recent elections, with over 700 million people casting ballots in last year’s national polls.
Jaishankar countered the narrative of a global democratic crisis by emphasizing India’s successful electoral processes, stating, “Nobody disputes the (election) result after it’s announced… 20 percent more people vote today than they did decades ago.” He expressed optimism about India’s democratic direction, arguing that for India, democracy translates to tangible benefits, such as nutrition support for 800 million individuals.
In response to US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remarks about democracy’s failure to address basic needs, Jaishankar stated, “Actually, in my part of the world, it does.” He pointed out that India’s democracy facilitates essential support for its population, underscoring that political discussions must consider regional differences rather than generalize global trends. He further indicated the need for honest discussions about democracy’s varied successes across different contexts.
The minister also acknowledged that the challenges facing democracy could be attributed to the experiences and models of globalization in the past decades. He called for appreciation of diverse democratic models, especially from the Global South, and urged the West to look beyond its traditional frameworks to understand how successful democratic principles can be manifested in other societies.
Jaishankar concluded his remarks by reaffirming India’s commitment to democracy, expressing confidence that it can flourish amidst challenges. This positive outlook was conveyed through his social media, where he noted his disagreement with the prevailing political pessimism and spoke on the need to recognize foreign influences on democratic narratives. The Munich Security Conference serves as an ideal platform for addressing pressing global security issues, running from February 14 to 16, 2025.
S. Jaishankar’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference highlighted a contrasting outlook on global democracy, particularly as it pertains to India’s electoral success. He emphasized the tangible benefits of democracy and advocated for a more nuanced understanding of democratic efficacy across different nations. By recognizing regional variances and promoting inclusive discussions, he signaled a call for the West to embrace diverse democratic models beyond its historical lens.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
