External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a firm stand against what he termed the “prevailing political pessimism” about global democracy, emphasizing that in India, democracy is not just an idea but a functioning reality. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference during a panel discussion titled ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’, Jaishankar showcased his inked index finger, symbolizing his recent vote in the Delhi elections, and declared, “For us, democracy is actually delivered.”
He challenged the Western narrative that democracy is under threat, highlighting India’s robust electoral system. “In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters cast their votes. In our national elections, with an electorate of about 900 million, nearly 700 million people vote. We count the votes in a single day, and nobody disputes the results,” he asserted.
Jaishankar also responded sharply to US Senator Elissa Slotkin’s remark that “democracy doesn’t put food on the table,” countering that India’s democratic system ensures nutrition support for 800 million people. “Since we are a democratic society, we provide food and nutrition support to millions. That is a matter of how healthy they are and how full their stomachs are,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns about the perceived global decline of democracy, Jaishankar insisted that different regions experience governance differently. “Not every part of the world is in crisis. Please do not assume this is a universal phenomenon. Maybe there are places where democracy struggles, but those need honest conversations about why it’s not working,” he said.
The panel also featured Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, US Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Jaishankar’s strong defense of India’s democratic framework underscored his broader argument that global governance discussions must recognize regional realities rather than apply a one-size-fits-all perspective.