Jaishankar: “I Am Very Optimistic About Democracy” at the Munich Security Conference
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently attended the Munich Security Conference, where he strongly defended democracy and expressed optimism about its future. Amid concerns raised by some panelists regarding the state of democracy worldwide, Jaishankar confidently stated that democracy remains resilient and continues to thrive, especially in India.
Democracy Under Debate at the Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference is an annual event where world leaders, policymakers, and experts discuss global security and political challenges. A session at the conference focused on the future of democracy, with panelists such as Norwegian Prime Minister, US Senator Alyssa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski sharing their perspectives. Some of them expressed concerns that democracy is under threat globally. However, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar rejected these claims, asserting that democracy is not only functional but is thriving, particularly in India.
Jaishankar’s Views on Indian Democracy
During his address, Jaishankar stated, “I am very optimistic about democracy. I have just participated in the elections of my state. Last year, national elections were held in our country, and about two-thirds of the total voters exercised their franchise.” His statement emphasized that democracy in India remains strong, with increasing voter participation being a clear indicator of its growth.
He further highlighted that election results in India are widely accepted, and there is no major dispute over electoral outcomes, reflecting the country’s deep democratic commitment. He also pointed out that voter turnout has increased by 20% since the voting system was introduced, demonstrating growing public engagement in the democratic process.
Democracy: A Core Element of Indian Society
S. Jaishankar firmly dismissed the notion that democracy is failing worldwide. He stated, “It is being said that democracy is in danger all over the world, but I do not believe so. Democracy is working well and has given a lot to the world.”
He acknowledged that while challenges exist in every country, democracy continues to function effectively in many parts of the world, including India. He also addressed a common perception among Western nations, stating, “Western countries believe that democracy is their gift to the world, but in reality, democracy is deeply ingrained in Indian society.”
Jaishankar stressed that India adopted the democratic model after gaining independence and has successfully maintained a vibrant and inclusive democratic system for decades. Unlike the perception that democracy was imposed or borrowed from the West, India has organically embraced democratic values and has a long history of participatory governance.
India’s Commitment to Democratic Principles
The Indian Foreign Minister reiterated that India remains committed to democratic principles, transparency, and fair elections. He emphasized that democracy in India is not just about elections but is also reflected in freedom of speech, diverse political ideologies, and an independent judiciary.
India’s success as the world’s largest democracy is a testament to the strength of its institutions and the active participation of its citizens. Despite regional and global challenges, India continues to uphold democratic traditions, setting an example for other nations.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s strong defense of democracy at the Munich Security Conference highlights India’s unwavering belief in democratic governance. While concerns about democracy’s future exist, India’s experience proves that democratic values can thrive even in diverse and complex societies. His remarks reaffirm India’s role as a global leader in democratic governance, countering skepticism and emphasizing optimism about democracy’s enduring strength.
