Munich: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly defended India’s democratic credentials at the Munich Security Conference, taking a swipe at the West for treating democracy as a Western characteristic. He argued that while some parts of the world might be struggling, democracy in India is thriving and delivering results.
India’s Strong Democratic Record
Jaishankar pointed out that Indian elections have a high voter turnout, with around 700 million out of 900 million eligible voters participating in national elections.
“We count votes in a single day. Nobody disputes the result after it is announced,” he said, underlining India’s electoral efficiency and democratic commitment.
He also highlighted that the number of people voting in India has increased over the years. “About 20 percent more people vote today than they did decades ago,” he said, countering the notion that democracy is weakening globally.
Democracy and Development
Jaishankar pushed back against US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remark that democracy “doesn’t put food on the table.”
“Actually, in my part of the world, it does. We provide nutrition support to 800 million people, ensuring they have access to food,” he responded.
He emphasized that democracy in India has not just been about political rights but also about economic and social development, benefiting millions of citizens.
Criticism of the West
Jaishankar accused the West of supporting non-democratic forces in the Global South while claiming to promote democracy worldwide.
“The West still does this. Everything that you say you value at home, you don’t practice abroad,” he remarked, suggesting a double standard in the Western approach to global democracy.
India as a Democratic Model
Jaishankar pointed out that despite facing economic and social challenges, India remained committed to democracy.
“When you look at our part of the world, we are pretty much the only country that has stayed true to democracy,” he said, urging the West to acknowledge successful democratic models outside its own region.
He concluded by stating that India’s democratic success should serve as an inspiration for other nations in the Global South. His remarks sparked a wider debate on how democracy is perceived and practiced globally.
