External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp critique of Western attitudes towards democracy during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience, EAM Jaishankar said, “There was a time—I have to say this in all honesty—when the West treated democracy as a Western characteristic and was busy encouraging non-democratic forces in the Global South. It still does. Everything you value at home, you don’t practice abroad.”
He also highlighted the vibrancy of India’s elections. “The mark on my index finger is proof that I just voted. We recently had an election in my state. Last year, we held national elections. In Indian elections, two-thirds of the national electorate votes. We count the votes in a single day, and no one disputes the results after they are announced. Today, in the modern era, 20 percent more voters participate than they did decades ago,” he noted.
The EAM emphasized that despite global concerns, India remains optimistic about democracy. “The message that democracy is in trouble globally—I have to disagree with that. We are voting well, we are optimistic about democracy, and for us, democracy has actually delivered.”
Jaishankar defended India’s democratic model, explaining that the country’s choice to adopt democracy after Independence was rooted in its consultative and pluralistic society.
“India chose a democratic model after Independence because we have always been a fundamentally consultative, pluralistic society,” he said.
On social media, Jaishankar shared his thoughts on the panel, writing, “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.”
Held in Munich, Germany, the Munich Security Conference 2025 is a global forum for discussions on international security.
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