EAM S Jaishankar’s ‘Gyan’ Dig at Western Media Over Indian Elections: ‘Countries that go to court…’

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, delivered a sharp rebuke to Western media over their coverage of Indian elections, asserting the robustness of India’s democratic processes. His comments came amidst ongoing international scrutiny of the recent Indian general elections.

Addressing a gathering at a diplomatic event in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar took a thinly veiled swipe at the Western media’s portrayal of India’s electoral system. Referring to the controversies surrounding the elections, he remarked, “Countries that go to court are not necessarily the ones that have a lot of democracy.” The statement was met with applause from the audience.

The Minister’s remark is seen as a response to the criticisms levelled by some Western media outlets regarding the conduct and fairness of the Indian elections. Despite the Election Commission of India’s assurances and the smooth conduct of polling across the country, certain quarters have raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Dr Jaishankar’s assertion of India’s democratic credentials comes at a time when the country is increasingly asserting its position on the global stage. With the world’s largest democratic exercise completed, India remains steadfast in its commitment to democratic principles and transparency in governance.

The Minister’s comments also reflect the government’s stance on defending India’s sovereignty and rejecting external interference in its internal affairs. By emphasizing the recourse to legal mechanisms for dispute resolution, Dr Jaishankar reiterated India’s adherence to the rule of law and constitutional processes.

In recent years, India has faced scrutiny from international observers and media organizations over various domestic issues, including elections, human rights, and freedom of expression. However, the Indian government has consistently maintained that such matters are internal and should not be subject to external scrutiny or interference.

As India continues its journey as the world’s largest democracy, Dr. Jaishankar’s ‘gyan’ dig serves as a reminder of the country’s resilience in the face of external criticism and its unwavering commitment to democratic values.