Vikrant Singh Shekhawat
- India,
- 15-Feb-2025,
MSC 2025: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is known for his logical and precise statements. Recently, he effectively responded to the statement of US Senator Elissa Slotkin during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Slotkin had said that "democracy does not put food on the table," but rejecting this statement, Jaishankar clarified that democracy in India is actually capable of providing food to 80 crore people.Jaishankar's candid reply"Senator, you said democracy does not put food on your table. In fact, in my part of the world, it does. Today, we are a democratic society and we provide nutrition support and food to 80 crore people," Jaishankar said during the panel discussion. His statement was clearly referring to the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), under which the central government is ensuring food security on a large scale.Food Security in India: Free foodgrains to 80.67 crore peopleThe Government of India has implemented the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from 1 January 2023. The scheme provides free foodgrains to 80.67 crore people. Under this scheme:Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), every family is given 35 kg of foodgrains per month free of cost.Priority Households (PHH) are provided 5 kg of free foodgrains per person per month.This scheme has been extended for the next five years from 1 January 2024 to ensure that the poor and disadvantaged sections do not face any shortage of food.Democracy and Global Politics Discussed at the Munich Security ConferenceDuring MSC-2025, a panel discussion was organized on the topic ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Strengthening Democratic Resilience’. It was attended by S. Jaishankar was joined by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, US Senator Elissa Slotkin and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Jaishankar used the platform to present India as an effective democracy and to express his dissent against the prevailing global political pessimism.Jaishankar's response on 'X'S. Jaishankar wrote about this important discussion on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter):"MSC-2025 kicked off with a panel discussion on 'Live to vote another day: Strengthening democratic resilience'. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Elissa Slotkin and Trzaskowski also participated. India was highlighted as an effective democracy. Dissent against the prevailing political pessimism. Expressed their views on foreign intervention."ConclusionThis statement by S. Jaishankar not only highlights India's democratic and social security model, but also shows how India is providing basic necessities to crores of citizens through its policies. His response made it clear that democracy not only provides political freedom, but can also ensure economic and social security.
Started the #MSC2025 with a panel on ‘Live to Vote Another Day: Fortifying Democratic Resilience’. Joined PM @jonasgahrstore, @ElissaSlotkin and @trzaskowski_.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 14, 2025
Highlighted India as a democracy that delivers. Differed with the prevailing political pessimism. Spoke my mind on… pic.twitter.com/h3GUmeglst