Indian Foreign Minister Accuses Western Media of Attempting to Influence 2024 Election

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has accused foreign media of attempting to influence the 2024 Indian election through criticism of Indian democracy. Jaishankar stated that the Western media is not criticizing India's democracy due to a lack of information, but because they see themselves as political players in the Indian election.

Jaishankar defended India's election system, including the use of electronic voting machines, and pointed out that India's lowest voter turnout is higher than the West's highest turnout. He also criticized Western media reports that have questioned the credibility of the Indian election, particularly regarding threats posed by AI and concerns over divisions within the country.

Why this matters: Jaishankar's comments come amid reports criticizing the Indian government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party, for cracking down on the opposition and alleged human rights abuses. The foreign minister's accusations highlight the growing tensions between India and Western nations over the state of Indian democracy.

The foreign minister accused the Western media of acting as 'sanitation inspectors' and trying to tell Indian voters what is good for them, despite the fact that Modi's party has secured a majority in the last two elections. Jaishankar specifically called out The Guardian for its biased coverage and criticism of Indian democracy.

Jaishankar's co-author of the book 'BBC's True Lives', Pandey, stated that the Western establishment, including the media, is seeking to discredit the Indian election by confusing voters or discrediting the popular mandate, as their 'Plan B' after failing to influence the Modi government's foreign policy choices. Pandey also criticized the Western media for failing to analyze the reasons behind the declining popularity of the Congress party, and instead questioning the BJP's 'political ascendancy'.

Jaishankar emphasized that these are domestic Indian politics that are being globalized, and the West thinks they are part of India's electorate, which he said needs to be disabused. He stressed the need to stand up to these attacks and criticisms, and said the decisions the government is making are not just for the next five years, but to give India, its society, and future generations a 'big vote of confidence' based on the country's achievements in the past ten years.

The foreign minister has strongly defended India's electoral process and its enduring democracy, engaging with international agencies that assess democracies globally, such as the Economic Intelligence Unit, V-Dem, and Freedom House, which have ranked India as a 'flawed democracy' or 'electoral autocracy'. Jaishankar responded to remarks made by the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson about the need for free and fair elections in India, stating that 'India does not need the UN to tell it how to conduct its elections.'

Key Takeaways

• Indian FM accuses foreign media of trying to influence 2024 Indian election.
• Defends India's election system, including use of EVMs, and voter turnout.
• Criticizes Western media reports questioning credibility of Indian elections.
• Accuses West of trying to discredit Indian election and popular mandate.
• Rejects UN's call for free and fair elections, says India doesn't need UN's advice.