India and the Global South

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

India’s relationship with the Global South has deep roots in shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for development and self-reliance. As one of the largest and most influential countries in the Global South, India’s role has evolved from leading the Non-Aligned Movement to becoming a pivotal player in contemporary South-South cooperation.

This partnership was propelled to a new level when Prime Minister Narendra Modi organised the first Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13 January 2023, within two weeks of India taking over the G20 Presidency. This was followed by a second summit later in 2023 and a third in 2024. VOGSS provides a common platform to deliberate on the concerns, interests and priorities of developing countries, exchange ideas, and unite in forging development solutions.

Background

The Global South encompasses developing nations in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, often shaped by shared histories of colonisation and economic marginalisation. India’s growing economic power, democratic framework, and strategic positioning allow it to advocate for equitable global governance.

Economic cooperation is reflected in trade, investment, and development assistance. India’s trade with Africa rose from $5 billion in 2001 to $90 billion in 2020, making India Africa’s third-largest trading partner. Trade with Latin America reached $50 billion in 2020, driven by oil imports and exports of pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and engineering goods. Indian investments - over $50 billion in Africa alone - span telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, IT, and renewable energy.

Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, India has provided training, capacity building, and technical assistance to over 160 countries in healthcare, education, agriculture, and IT. Structured engagements like the India-Africa Forum Summit, Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and India-CARICOM Summits deepen ties and promote development.

India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched with France in 2015, mobilises resources for solar adoption in 121 member countries, many from the Global South.

The Voice of the Global South Summit

The first VOGSS in January 2023, held virtually across 10 sessions, focused on priorities and concerns of developing nations, with PM Modi presiding over the inaugural and concluding sessions. Inputs fed directly into G20 deliberations.

The second VOGSS on 17 November 2023 carried the theme Together, For Everyone’s Growth, With Everyone’s Trust, echoing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. It aimed to share outcomes from India’s G20 Presidency, amplify the Global South’s voice, and sustain momentum for inclusive global dialogue. Over 100 countries participated in both editions.

The third VOGSS, themed An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future, expanded discussions on conflicts, food and energy security, climate change, and debt burdens - issues that disproportionately affect developing countries. It drew 173 dignitaries from 123 countries, including 21 heads of state/government, and saw PM Modi propose a Global Development Compact with four elements: trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, technology sharing, and project-specific concessional finance and grants

With representation from over 60% of the world’s population, the summit reinforced the Global South’s centrality in shaping an inclusive future. A major outcome of India’s advocacy was the admission of the African Union as a full G20 member on 9 September 2023.

India’s geopolitical engagement with the Global South reflects its strategic interests and aspirations for a multipolar world where developing nations have a strong voice. Through diplomacy, economic cooperation, and partnerships, India strengthens the collective position of the Global South in global affairs.

As the world faces challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and shifting geopolitics, India’s role as both leader and partner is becoming increasingly significant. Guided by sustained cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations, India and the Global South are well placed to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century together.