Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s steadfast commitment to democracy, stating that the nation not only meets the aspirations of its 1.4 billion citizens but also offers hope to the world by demonstrating that democracy empowers and delivers. Addressing the Summit for Democracy via video conferencing, Modi hailed the event as a pivotal platform for democracies worldwide to exchange insights and learn from each other’s experiences. Hosted by South Korea, the summit aims to foster inclusive societies and youth empowerment.
Highlighting India’s rich tradition of democracy, Modi emphasized its integral role in Indian civilization, referring to consensus-building, open dialogue, and free discussion as hallmarks of Indian democracy. He emphasized that India, often regarded as the “Mother of Democracy” by its citizens, continues to uphold democratic principles, fostering an environment where democracy flourishes and empowers its populace.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Modi described it as the “largest festival of democracy,” expressing confidence that the Indian electorate, numbering around one billion voters, will once again reaffirm their faith in democracy. Modi outlined India’s progress over the past decade, driven by the ethos of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth), which has propelled inclusive development across the nation.
Highlighting India’s advancements in the technology sector, Modi lauded the country’s digital infrastructure, which has revolutionized public service delivery and enhanced financial inclusion. He also noted India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, powered by the dynamism of its youth and technological innovation.
Modi underscored India’s commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the significant role played by over 1.4 million elected women representatives at the grassroots level in driving women-led development initiatives. He reiterated India’s resolve to contribute to global democracy, citing legislative measures for women’s representation, poverty alleviation efforts, and international assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calling for collaborative efforts among democratic nations, Modi emphasized the need for inclusivity, fairness, and participative decision-making in international systems and institutions. He reiterated India’s readiness to share its democratic experience with fellow democracies to build a more inclusive, participative, and fair international system.
The Summit for Democracy, initiated by US President Joe Biden, brings together government officials, NGOs, and civil society members to address challenges facing democracy worldwide. Hosted by South Korea from March 18-20, the summit aims to foster cooperation and dialogue among democratic nations in pursuit of shared democratic values and principles.
