Source: The Hindu
PM Modi stated at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference that “India today not only firmly asserts its own point but also strongly amplifies the voice of the Global South.” India spoke at the 2024 Global South Summit as the third voice.
Decolonization or harsh criticism of the West do not seem to be the driving forces behind India’s movement, in contrast to the Non-Alignment Movement. Instead, it is strengthening ties with longstanding allies like the United States and Europe while attempting to expand its influence in the Global South. India’s efforts to forge new relationships are also demonstrated by Mr. Modi’s August 2024 visit to Poland.
India seems to be in a race with China, according to trends in foreign direct investments in Africa. India is believed to be strategically collaborating with industrialized nations to limit China’s expanding global influence.
One such effort is the ongoing QUAD collaboration, which is a dialogue between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia for a free and equitable Indo-Pacific. To further its own strategic commercial, defence, and geopolitical objectives, India is attempting to establish a unique identity as a rising power in its own right. Disillusioned with current economic paradigms, Global South nations are weighed down by debt and conditions. India can bridge the gap between the Global North and the Global South.
It was said that the recently launched Global Development Compact, which aims to support growth in the Global South, is based on Indian tactics and experiences. Being the largest democracy in the world and a growing power, India has a distinctive development story.
A more human-centric approach to addressing developmental difficulties has been emphasized by New Delhi. Through Mission LiFE, which promotes low-consumption lifestyles, this has been articulated at worldwide forums to stimulate behavioral change.
Countries in the Global South who are also looking to expand their domestic industries may find programs like Skill India or those that encourage women to become entrepreneurs appealing. India’s approach to capacity building has typically focused on the Indian Technical and Economic Programme, which carries out short-term, sector-specific initiatives.
India has advocated for global governance that is more inclusive. During India’s leadership in 2023, the country exemplified this goal by supporting the African Union’s admission to the G-20. India should learn to develop its own internal capabilities in addition to facilitating changes in well-established international institutions.
India wants to be the voice of the global south, but in order to lead effectively, it must also “listen.” India demonstrated to the world that there is a third, new choice for developing nations when it led NAM. India shouldn’t pass up this chance to do the same thing right now.
Model Question:
India has increasingly positioned itself as a bridge between the Global North and the Global South. Analyze the factors enabling this role and the challenges India faces in maintaining this position. (250 words)
Model Answer:
India’s strategic positioning as a bridge between the Global North (developed nations) and the Global South (developing nations) is rooted in its historical role as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its growing economic and geopolitical influence. India’s G20 Presidency (2023) reinforced this role by prioritizing the concerns of the developing world while engaging with advanced economies.
Factors Enabling India’s Bridge Role
- Economic Growth & Trade Partnerships – India is the fifth-largest economy, balancing trade with both developed (USA, EU) and developing nations (Africa, ASEAN).
- Diplomatic Influence – Active participation in forums like G20, BRICS, QUAD, and SCO enables India to represent the interests of the Global South.
- Technology & Innovation Sharing – India promotes South-South cooperation in sectors like digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar), space (Gaganyaan), and pharmaceuticals (COVID-19 vaccines).
- Strategic Autonomy – India’s independent foreign policy, seen in neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine war, maintains engagement with both blocs.
- Climate Leadership – Initiatives like International Solar Alliance (ISA) and LiFE movement address climate justice concerns of developing nations while engaging the North on sustainability.
Challenges in Maintaining This Position
- Geopolitical Pressures – Balancing relations with USA (QUAD) and Russia (defense ties) is complex.
- Trade & WTO Conflicts – India’s stance on agriculture subsidies, patent rights face opposition from developed nations.
- Security Concerns – China’s rise in the Global South challenges India’s influence in Africa and South Asia.
- Resource Constraints – India’s domestic needs limit its capacity to provide large-scale aid like China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
India’s diplomatic agility, economic potential, and commitment to multilateralism position it as a strong bridge between the North and South. However, navigating geopolitical tensions and economic disparities remains key to sustaining this leadership.
