Jaishankar critiques West's democracy double standard at Munich Security Conference

metro india news  I munich

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tore into the West over global democracy and urged them to embrace the successful models of the non-Western countries. Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on foreign interference," he posted on X.

The Minister known for his spontaneity and clarity over matters did not mince words as he came hard and straight. He took a dig at the Western countries for treating democracy as a "Western characteristic", accusing them of not practising abroad what they valued at home.

Jaishankar made these remarks on Friday at a panel discussion titled "Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience" at the Munich Security Conference. He also said that "if you do want democracy eventually to prevail, it's important the West also embraces successful models (democracy) outside the West."

“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.” "So, I do think the rest of the Global South will view the successes, shortcomings and the responses of other countries," he said.

India has stayed true to the democratic model

The external Affairs Minister said, “All the challenges that we have had, even at a low income, we have stayed true to the democratic model, which is almost if you look at our part of the world. We are pretty much the only country that has done that."

"So I think it's something the West should look at, because if you do want democracy eventually to prevail, it's important the West also embraces successful models outside the West," he said at the conference.