India & the Global South
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: DH
Context: Indian Prime Minister five-nation tour across Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia marked a strategic outreach to the Global South, strengthening India’s leadership in the developing world.
About India & the Global South:
• What is Global South? The Global South refers to a grouping of developing and emerging countries—mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—that share similar developmental challenges and seek greater representation in global decision-making platforms.
• The Global South refers to a grouping of developing and emerging countries—mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—that share similar developmental challenges and seek greater representation in global decision-making platforms.
• Origin:
• The term emerged in the 1960s, first used by Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War. Gained prominence with the Brandt Line (1980), which demarcated the wealthy North from the underdeveloped South. Popularised in recent decades due to dissatisfaction with the global governance system, especially after COVID-19, Ukraine war, and climate crises.
• The term emerged in the 1960s, first used by Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War.
• Gained prominence with the Brandt Line (1980), which demarcated the wealthy North from the underdeveloped South.
• Popularised in recent decades due to dissatisfaction with the global governance system, especially after COVID-19, Ukraine war, and climate crises.
Key Characteristics:
• Geographic Fluidity: Not strictly southern—includes countries like India and China in the northern hemisphere.
• Economic & Political Marginalisation: Limited voice in global institutions like UN, IMF, and World Bank.
• Development Priorities: Focused on poverty reduction, food and energy security, climate justice, and equitable trade.
• Institutional Platforms: Represented by G77 (134 countries), Non-Aligned Movement (120 nations), and India-led Voice of the Global South summits.
Key Challenges to the Global South:
• Climate Vulnerability: Developing nations bear the brunt of climate change despite low per capita emissions.
E.g., African nations contribute <4% to global CO₂ emissions but face severe climate shocks.
• Debt Distress: Many nations face external debt burdens, worsened by COVID-19 and global inflation.
E.g., Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and Zambia’s debt default highlight structural fragility.
• Resource Weaponisation: Strategic minerals like lithium and rare earths are monopolised, limiting access to green energy tech.
E.g., China controls 70% of rare earth processing globally.
• Digital Inequality: Lack of digital infrastructure widens the AI and fintech divide between North and South.
• Geopolitical Marginalisation: The Global South lacks permanent representation in key global institutions like the UNSC.
India’s Role in the Global South:
• Diplomatic Voice: India hosted Voice of the Global South Summits (2023 & 2024) and backed African Union’s G20 membership. E.g. India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 amplified Southern concerns.
• E.g. India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 amplified Southern concerns.
• Strategic Partnerships: Ghana: Rare earth mineral mining, maritime security Argentina: Lithium exploration deal via KABIL in Catamarca Namibia: UPI fintech rollout, biofuels, and critical minerals Brazil: Defence deals, including interest in Akash missile system
• Ghana: Rare earth mineral mining, maritime security
• Argentina: Lithium exploration deal via KABIL in Catamarca
• Namibia: UPI fintech rollout, biofuels, and critical minerals
• Brazil: Defence deals, including interest in Akash missile system
• Cultural Diplomacy: PM Modi’s addresses to foreign parliaments, yoga promotion, and diaspora engagement boost India’s soft power.
• Balanced Foreign Policy: India has hedged its position on Gaza and Iran at BRICS, retaining strategic autonomy while retaining Global South trust.
• Technology & Infrastructure Export: Initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI, telemedicine) and support for climate-resilient infra via CDRI are bridging divides.
Way Ahead:
• Champion Multilateral Reform: India must lead efforts for UNSC, WTO, and IMF reforms to reflect Global South aspirations.
• Secure Equitable Mineral Access: India should de-risk mineral supply chains through strategic investments in Africa and Latin America.
• Expand South-South Finance: Use platforms like BRICS Bank and ISA to finance clean energy, tech, and health projects.
• Institutionalise Voice of Global South: Create a permanent Global South forum, led by India, to coordinate positions in global summits.
• Deepen Regional Ties: Strengthen ties with CARICOM, AU, ECOWAS, and Mercosur to promote shared development agendas.
Conclusion:
India’s renewed outreach signals its transition from aid receiver to agenda setter in the Global South. Through strategic diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural leadership, India is positioning itself as a trusted partner in a multipolar world. This momentum must now translate into lasting institutions and inclusive governance reforms.