At the recently concluded Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, provided a strong defense of India’s democratic resilience while challenging prevailing narratives on the state of global democracy. Speaking at the panel discussion titled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’, Jaishankar expressed confidence in India’s electoral process and democratic stability while subtly critiquing Western democratic ideals.
India’s Democracy: A Model That Delivers
Jaishankar emphatically showcased his inked index finger as proof of India’s thriving democratic process when asked about the global state of democracy. He highlighted that Indian democracy is not merely theoretical but functional, emphasizing its high voter participation rates.
“In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters vote. At the national elections, the electorate of about 900 million, about 700 million voted. We count the votes in a single day. Nobody disputes the result after it’s announced, and by the way, from the time we started voting in the modern era, 20% more people vote today than they did decades ago,” Jaishankar stated.
Rejecting the notion that democracy is in decline, he countered what he perceived as undue pessimism. “Somehow democracy is in trouble globally? I am sorry, I have to differ with that. We are living well, we are voting well, and we are optimistic about the direction of our democracy. For us, democracy is actually delivered,” he said.
Democracy and Economic Well-being: A Counter to Western Narratives
Jaishankar also pushed back against Western skepticism regarding democracy’s tangible benefits. Responding to US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remark that “democracy doesn’t put food on the table,” he pointed out that India’s democratic governance enables it to provide nutrition support to 800 million people.
“Senator, you said that democracy doesn’t put food on your table. Actually, in my part of the world, it does. Because we are a democratic society, we provide nutrition support and food to 800 million people. For them, it is a matter of how healthy they are and how full their stomachs are. Different parts of the world have different conversations—please do not assume this is a universal phenomenon,” Jaishankar asserted.
A Call for Western Recognition of Non-Western Democracies
Beyond India’s own experience, Jaishankar emphasized the need for the West to recognize and accept diverse democratic models outside its traditional framework. He noted that India chose a democratic system after independence because its society was inherently pluralistic and consultative.
“There was a time when the West treated democracy as a Western characteristic. However, many nations in the Global South may find India’s experience more transposable to their societies than those of others,” he remarked.
Jaishankar further argued that if the West wants democracy to prevail globally, it must embrace successful democratic models beyond its borders. He underscored India’s success in maintaining a democratic structure despite facing multiple challenges, reinforcing the idea that democracy is not solely a Western export.
India’s Position on Foreign Interference
In a post on X, Jaishankar reaffirmed his stance: “Started the #MSC2025 with a panel on ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’. Joined PM @jonasgahrstore, @ElissaSlotkin and @trzaskowski_. Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference.”
His statement signals India’s growing assertiveness in challenging Western assumptions about democracy while reinforcing India’s role as a leading democratic power in the Global South.
The Global Debate on Democracy Continues
The 61st Munich Security Conference, held from February 14-16, provided a crucial platform for global leaders to discuss pressing foreign and security policy issues. Alongside Jaishankar, the panel featured Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. The discussions at MSC 2025 underscored the divergent perspectives on democracy’s trajectory, with India’s External Affairs Minister emerging as a strong voice for democratic optimism in an otherwise skeptical room.
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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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