External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about India’s democracy, emphasizing that it has delivered results and continues to thrive despite global challenges. He made these remarks during a panel discussion titled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’ at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. The panel also included Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
Jaishankar disagreed with the prevailing view that democracy is in trouble worldwide, highlighting India’s democratic achievements. In response to a question about Western democracies, he shared his perspective, saying, “Well before I do that, I appeared to be an optimist in what is relatively a pessimistic panel, if not room. I will begin by sticking up my finger and don’t take it badly, it is the index finger. This, the mark you see on my nail, is a mark of a person who has just voted.”
He went on to explain the scale of Indian elections, noting that over 700 million people participated in the 2024 national elections out of an electorate of 900 million, with voting results counted in a single day. Jaishankar also pointed out that voter turnout has increased by 20% compared to decades ago, further underscoring the success of Indian democracy.
Jaishankar rejected the notion that democracy is universally in decline, stating, “Right now, we are living well. We are voting well. We are optimistic about the direction of our democracy, and for us, democracy is actually delivering.” He also emphasized that while parts of the world may be facing challenges, India has remained committed to its democratic values.
Addressing the role of democracy in providing essential services, Jaishankar responded to a comment by Senator Slotkin, who suggested that democracy doesn’t directly put food on the table. “In my part of the world, it does,” Jaishankar said. “We give nutrition support and food to 800 million people, and for them, it’s a matter of how healthy they are and how full their stomachs are.”
The Minister noted that different parts of the world are going through different challenges, and warned against assuming that one model fits all. He added that many issues are a result of the globalized model followed over the past few decades, but argued that these issues should not be considered universal.
Jaishankar also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts: “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.”
Reflecting on India’s democratic journey post-independence, Jaishankar explained that India chose democracy because it was a fundamentally consultative and pluralistic society. He acknowledged that the West once viewed democracy as a Western characteristic but noted that many nations in the Global South, including India, are more likely to relate to each other’s experiences. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s success in maintaining democracy, despite challenges, serves as a model for others, particularly in the Global South.
“We are pretty much the only country in our part of the world that has stayed true to the democratic model,” he said. “If the West wants democracy to prevail globally, it’s crucial that they recognize and support successful models outside the West.”
The Munich Security Conference, held from February 14-16, provides a global platform for high-level discussions on foreign and security policy issues.
