- This multilateral approach is designed to ensure that the voices of Global South countries are heard in international policymaking.
- India is now capable of providing aid and technical assistance to many countries in the Global South, including through lines of credit, capacity building, and technology transfer.
- India is a strong advocate for South-South cooperation which focuses on economic and technical collaboration among developing countries without relying on the Global North.
India, which hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit[1] on 17 August 2024, has ensured that Communist China and the politically unstable Islamic Republic of Pakistan are excluded. According to news reports, leaders and ministers from 123 countries will participate in the summit to discuss key challenges facing developing nations.
The Global South Summit is a significant international event that focuses on the development challenges, opportunities, and cooperation among countries in the Global South, which includes regions in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. However, this recent summit is notable for the absence of three key players: India, Pakistan, and China.
India, Global South, and Countering China
For India, which was instrumental in securing the African Union’s membership in the G20[2], hosting this event without China is a significant achievement. India emphasizes mutual cooperation, equality, and respect, in contrast to China’s pursuit of hegemony. Now, Africa, which has historically been voiceless and exploited, has an important platform to express its views on key global issues.
India has been increasingly positioning itself as a leader of the Global South to expand its influence on the global stage, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s growing dominance. One significant achievement of India took place during the COVID-19 pandemic[3]. India’s provision of affordable pharmaceuticals, which played its role as a significant player in vaccine production has also bolstered its image as a reliable partner.
India’s diplomatic efforts are increasingly focused on forming coalitions that can collectively address global challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainable development. This multilateral approach is designed to ensure that the voices of Global South countries are heard in international policymaking. India has also leveraged its membership in various multilateral groups like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the United Nations to push for reforms that reflect the interests of developing nations.
India’s rise as a leader in the Global South is partly driven by its desire to counterbalance China’s influence in these regions[4]. While China has made significant inroads in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India presents itself as a more benign and cooperative partner. India has been vocal about the potential debt traps associated with Chinese loans and infrastructure projects under the BRI, and it offers alternatives that are seen as more sustainable and respectful of the sovereignty of the partner countries.
India’s efforts to lead the Global South and isolate China are not without challenges. China’s economic clout, extensive infrastructure investments, and deep pockets give it considerable influence. Additionally, India’s capacity to provide large-scale financial assistance is more limited compared to China.
However, India’s approach to fostering genuine partnerships, focusing on capacity building, and advocating for a more equitable global order resonates with many developing nations. This strategy is likely to continue shaping the geopolitical landscape, especially as global power dynamics shift.
| What is the Global South? The Global South refers to a group of countries primarily located in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. These countries are often characterized by lower income levels, developing economies, and histories of colonialism or economic marginalization. The term contrasts with the Global North, which generally includes wealthier, industrialized countries in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia (such as Japan and South Korea). |
India and its Outreach Program
India’s relationship with the Global South is multifaceted and deeply rooted in its historical, economic, and political identity. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), in which India played a founding role during the Cold War, promoted the interests of developing nations by aligning with neither the U.S. nor the Soviet Union. This legacy continues to shape India’s foreign policy with positive outreach programs[5].
However, under the current administration, the NAM is less prominent, and India has become much stronger economically, militarily, and politically stable over the past 20 years. The Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr Gita Gopinath[6], recently stated that India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2027, with growth exceeding expectations last fiscal year.
This is why India is a strong advocate for South-South cooperation, which focuses on economic and technical collaboration among developing countries without relying on the Global North. The Global South represents crucial markets for Indian goods and services and sources of raw materials and energy. India’s engagement with these countries supports its economic growth and diversification.
Energy Security, Global South, and India
From an energy security perspective, many countries in the Global South, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, are important suppliers of oil and gas to India, making these relationships vital for energy security. India’s engagement with the Global South also helps maintain strategic autonomy and balance its relationships with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia.
In the future, this engagement could position India as a key player in global governance. By aligning with the Global South, India seeks to promote a multipolar world order and advocate for reforms in international institutions to better reflect the realities of the 21st century.
India is now capable of providing aid and technical assistance to many countries in the Global South, including through lines of credit, capacity building, and technology transfer. This not only strengthens bilateral ties but also enhances India’s soft power. Over the past ten years, India has been active in providing humanitarian aid to Global South countries affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and health crises, further solidifying its role as a responsible global player.
India and the broader Global South are increasingly pivotal players in shaping the future of energy and security markets. As these regions undergo rapid economic growth and urbanization, their energy demands and security concerns are evolving, influencing global trends and policies and India is positioning itself as the key to navigating these complex challenges and opportunities.
| Significance of the Global South The Global South encompasses a majority of the world’s population and resources, making it a significant area for global economic development, trade, and investment opportunities. Countries in the Global South often face similar challenges, including poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, and vulnerability to climate change. This shared context fosters solidarity and cooperation in addressing these issues. The Global South has increasingly sought to assert its influence in global governance, advocating for reforms in institutions like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to better reflect their interests. |
Indian diaspora
India’s real strength lies in its diaspora connections. India has a large diaspora in many Global South countries, fostering cultural and economic ties. Ironically, colonialism played a role in this diaspora’s spread. Today, India is also active in providing scholarships and training programs to students and professionals from Global South countries, promoting people-to-people connections and enhancing India’s influence.
The Indian diaspora is one of the largest and most influential in the world, with an estimated 32 million people of Indian origin living outside India. This global community plays a significant role in India’s diplomacy and international relations, serving as a bridge between India and the world and can have a significant impact on India’s engagement with the Global South.
Conclusion
India’s engagement with the Global South is central to its foreign policy and global strategy. The Global South offers India opportunities for economic growth, political influence, and strategic partnerships. By continuing to champion the interests of developing nations, India reinforces its position as a leader in the Global South and a key player in shaping the future global order.
The absence of China could impact the effectiveness and outcomes of the summit as India is looking at new ways to counter China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, These countries are significant in terms of population, economy, and influence within the Global South, and their participation is often crucial for achieving broader consensus on global issues.
This summit, held practically on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Ukraine, may indicate shifting alliances and priorities within the Global South, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of international relations.
India’s development partnerships, both regionally and globally, are guided by cooperation programs that operate without conditions, fostering relationships based on mutual respect, diversity, forward-thinking, and sustainable development. Over time, India has transitioned from being a net aid recipient to an emerging development partner, demonstrating a commitment to working with both developed nations of the Global North and other emerging economies through enhanced South-South Cooperation[7].
In his book, Why Bharat Matters (Page 212) India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishshankar wrote the following, “As India’s profile rises, its policymakers are also discovering that the expectations of other nations are not confined to our immediate vicinity. Ever since its independence triggered global decolonisation, India has carried the responsibility of speaking for a larger constituency.”
(The author is a freelance writer and has published articles on defence and strategic affairs and book reviews. He tweets @LaxmanShriram78. The opinion expressed is the author’s own)
References:
- [1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/123-countries-joined-voice-of-global-south-summit-china-pakistan-not-invited-101723913903132.html
- [2] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/african-union-g20-world-leaders/
- [3] https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/how-india-has-emerged-as-voice-of-global-south-in-modis-era-13774667.html
- [4] https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/reimagining-indias-south-asia-playbook-while-batting-for-the-global-south/
- [5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025450
- [6] https://www.ibef.org/news/imf-s-dr-gita-gopinath-says-india-could-become-third-largest-economy-this-year#:~:text=Deputy%20Managing%20Director%20of%20the,year%2C%20positively%20impacting%20current%20forecasts.
- [7] https://www.ris.org.in/sites/default/files/Publication/Indian_Development_Coperation-75%20yrs-NEW-PRINT-11-APRIL-2022-Web-1.pdf
Balaji is a freelance writer with an MA in History and Political science and has published articles on defence and strategic affairs and book reviews. He tweets @LaxmanShriram78. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Dhruv Ashok 
Aayush Pal