India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed the global credibility and robustness of the country’s election system after US President Donald Trump cited India’s voter‑identification rules while pushing for stricter election laws in the United States. The remarks came during the MEA’s weekly press briefing, where spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to questions about Trump’s comments.
Jaiswal said India’s electoral machinery is “well‑established globally”, noting that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has long been recognised for its scale, transparency and logistical capability. While he declined to comment directly on Trump’s statements, he emphasised that India’s election system stands as a globally acknowledged benchmark.
Trump referenced India’s voting process on Truth Social, highlighting the 2024 general election in which 646 million people cast their ballots. He noted that less than 1% voted by mail and that every voter was required to present a valid photo ID. Trump also quoted India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who reportedly questioned how US elections could be conducted without mandatory photo identification.
The former US President used India’s example to bolster support for the SAVE America Act, his proposed legislation aimed at tightening voter registration and authentication rules across the United States. The act seeks nationwide mandatory photo ID requirements, stricter verification processes and uniform standards across states.
Trump’s stance received backing from US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who posted on X that India’s election model demonstrates the effectiveness of voter authentication at scale. Gor urged the US Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, citing India’s experience as evidence of secure democratic practice.