External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly defended the resilience of democracy, using India as a prime example, while participating in a panel discussion at the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC). Addressing concerns raised about the state of democracy globally, he emphasized that India remains a thriving democratic nation that delivers results.
During the discussion titled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’, Jaishankar was joined by Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Responding to the widespread pessimism about democracy being under threat, Jaishankar held up his inked index finger, symbolizing his recent vote in India’s elections, and said, “I appeared to be an optimist in what is relatively a pessimistic panel, if not room.”
He underscored the robustness of India’s electoral system, citing the high voter turnout. “In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters vote. At the national elections, out of an electorate of about 900 million, nearly 700 million cast their votes. We count the votes in a single day,” he noted.
Jaishankar also pointed out that voter participation has significantly increased in recent decades, contradicting claims that democracy is in decline globally. He stressed that elections in India are widely accepted, stating, “Nobody disputes the result after it is declared.”
Responding to U.S. Senator Slotkin’s remark that democracy “doesn’t put food on your table,” Jaishankar countered by highlighting India’s extensive welfare initiatives. “In my part of the world, it does. We are a democratic society that provides nutrition support and food to 800 million people. For them, it is a matter of health and sustenance,” he asserted.
Later, Jaishankar shared snapshots from the conference on social media, stating, “Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference.”
The Munich Security Conference, taking place from February 14 to 16, serves as a key platform for high-level discussions on global foreign and security policy issues. MSC 2025 aims to continue this dialogue by addressing pressing geopolitical challenges.
