Jaishankar schools West over 'democracy doesn't put food on table' remark, shows inked finger
PTC News Desk: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar schools West after a US senator over his remarks on democracy in India. Jaishankar said he differs in the view that democracy is in trouble globally and highlighted India's democracy.
"I appeared to be an optimist in what is relatively a pessimistic panel, if not room. I will begin by sticking up my finger and don't take it badly. It is the index finger. This, the mark you see on my nail, is a mark of a person who has just voted. We just had an election in my state (Delhi). Last year, we had a national election. In Indian elections, roughly two-thirds of the eligible voters vote. At the national elections, the electorate of about 900 million, about 700 million voted. We count the votes in a single day," Jaishankar said when asked about his views on Western democracy.
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… pic.twitter.com/h3GUmeglst — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 14, 2025
During a panel discussion titled 'Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience' at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Jaishankar expressed a differing opinion on the claim that global democracy is at risk. He highlighted that India is a democratic nation that provides nutritional support to 800 million people.
"From the time we started voting in the modern era, 20 per cent of more people vote today than they did decades ago. So, the first message is that somehow democracy is in trouble globally, worldwide, I am sOrry, I have to differ with it. I mean, 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 added.
He also said that "nobody disputes" the result after it is announced.
Mr Jaishankar also responded to Senator Slotkin, who on the panel said that democracy "doesn't put food on your table".
- PTC NEWS
