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.
- Origin:
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- 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.
- 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
- 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.
