India’s Democracy Stands Strong: Jaishankar’s Firm Response at Munich Security Conference

India’s Democracy Stands Strong: Jaishankar’s Firm Response to Global Concerns at the Munich Security Conference

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar gave a robust reply to allegations regarding the state of democracy across the world during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. Amidst a sea of suspicion, Jaishankar boldly showed off his ink-stained index finger, reflective of India’s vibrant and healthy democratic process. Referring to the topic of ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Strengthening Democratic Resilience,’ he rejected the idea that democracy is declining globally and put India at the forefront as an exemplary functioning democratic system.

Jaishankar asserted that, in spite of the gloom over democracy all over the world, India still gets the job done on democratic values efficiently. “I seemed to be an optimist in what is comparatively a pessimistic panel, if not room.”. I will start by sticking up my finger and don’t take it ill, it is the index finger,” he said, pointing to the marked finger as evidence of his voting in the latest state elections. He then emphasized that India with its huge electorate still goes on conducting free and fair elections, serving as an example to other countries.

With real numbers, Jaishankar noted that voter turnout in India has improved year by year. “In Indian elections, around two-thirds of the voting age population votes. In the national elections, the electorate of approximately 900 million, around 700 million voted. We count the votes on a single day.” This, he claimed, is an explicit sign that India’s democracy is not only holding on but doing well. He rejected the notion that democracy is everywhere in crisis, maintaining that various parts of the globe have their own political realities and should not be lumped together.

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In the course of discussion, US Senator Elissa Slotkin said democracy “doesn’t put food on your table.” Reacting emphatically, Jaishankar refuted the argument by referencing India’s rich social welfare policies. “Actually, where I come from, it does because we are a democratic country, we provide nutrition assistance, and food to 800 million individuals and for whom that is a question of how healthy they are and how full their bellies are.” His answer highlighted the concrete advantages of an effective democracy in fulfilling basic needs such as food security and social welfare.

Jaishankar’s statements also referred to fears about foreign intervention in local politics. He again asserted India’s position on protecting its democratic integrity and that external factors will not disrupt its electoral process. Later, providing some insights from the conference, he tweeted, “Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference.”

The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from February 14 to 16 in Munich, Germany, provided a significant platform for high-level discussions on critical global security and political issues. Jaishankar’s remarks reinforced India’s role as a beacon of democratic resilience and governance, countering global skepticism with evidence of electoral strength and institutional stability.

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