India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar showcased his inked index finger, a symbol of his recent vote in the state election, to counter the prevailing pessimism about democracy’s global health. Speaking at the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), Jaishankar expressed optimism about India’s electoral process, stating that “for us, democracy is actually delivered.”
Jaishankar’s remarks came during a panel discussion titled “Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience,” where he shared the stage with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski. The conference, held from February 14 to 16, serves as a premier platform for high-level discussions on pressing global foreign and security policy challenges.
Highlighting India’s robust democratic system, Jaishankar pointed out that roughly two-thirds of eligible voters participate in elections, with about 700 million people casting their ballots in national elections. He emphasized that the results are never disputed, and the country has seen a significant increase in voter turnout over the years.
Jaishankar also countered the notion that democracy is in trouble globally, citing India’s success in providing nutrition support to 800 million people as an example of democracy delivering tangible benefits. He cautioned against assuming that challenges faced by some democracies are a universal phenomenon, urging the audience to look at different parts of the world through a nuanced lens.
The Indian Foreign Minister’s remarks were met with appreciation from the audience, with Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski praising the “good, objective discussion” on resilience to threats to democratic states and societies. Trzaskowski emphasized the need for democratic leaders to work consistently and prove their effectiveness in solving people’s problems and ensuring security.
Jaishankar’s confidence in India’s democracy was echoed by his tweet after the conference, where he shared snapshots from the event and stated, “Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference.”
The 61st MSC has brought together over 500 high-ranking decision-makers from around the world to discuss pressing global challenges, including the rise of authoritarianism, climate change, and technological disruptions. As the conference continues, Jaishankar’s remarks are likely to resonate with leaders seeking to strengthen democratic resilience and promote effective governance.
