By The Sampadak Express
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly disagreed with the Western view that democracy is facing a global crisis during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025. Jaishankar highlighted the resilience of India’s democratic system while addressing the topic “Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience.” The panel also featured Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.
In response to concerns raised about the state of democracy worldwide, Jaishankar began by showing his inked finger—symbolizing his recent participation in India’s state elections. He emphasized that nearly two-thirds of eligible voters participated in India’s national elections, with around 700 million voters casting their ballots. “We count the votes in a single day,” he added, underscoring the efficiency and transparency of India’s democratic process.”
For Us, Democracy is Delivered”Jaishankar disagreed with the assertion that democracy is in global decline, stating, “I have to differ with it. 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 delivered.”
He further responded to US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s comment that “democracy doesn’t put food on the table,” explaining that India’s democratic system supports the nutritional needs of 800 million people through government programs. “In my part of the world, it does,” Jaishankar asserted, stressing the tangible benefits democracy provides to millions in India.
Jaishankar acknowledged that the state of democracy varies across the globe and called for “honest conversations” about the challenges some countries face in strengthening democratic values. However, he argued that many of the current issues are rooted in the global model of globalization followed over the past few decades.
Criticizing Political Pessimism and Foreign Interference
On social media, Jaishankar shared that at MSC 2025, he had voiced his disagreement with the prevailing political pessimism and spoke candidly about the issue of foreign interference in democratic processes. He pointed out that after independence, India chose a democratic path because of its inherently pluralistic society. Jaishankar noted that while the West has historically regarded democracy as a Western trait, many nations in the Global South are likely to find India’s democratic experience more relatable than Western models.
He urged Western nations to acknowledge and embrace successful democratic models from other regions if they want democracy to thrive globally.
The Munich Security Conference, which began on February 14, 2025, will conclude on February 16. It serves as a prominent platform for global discussions on foreign policy, security challenges, and other critical international issues.
