India Role as the Champion of the Global South Introduction

• India has long positioned itself as a leading advocate for the Global South, continuously raising the issues faced by developing nations on global platforms.
•  In recent years, India has reiterated its commitment to representing these nations at the international level. 
• For instance, at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s resolve to amplify the voice of the Global South. 
• Similarly, at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit in August 2024, he emphasized India’s efforts in driving inclusive global governance reforms, reaffirming the nation’s leadership in advocating for developing countries.

What is the Global South? 

• The term “Global South” refers to countries that are often labeled as developing, underdeveloped, or less developed. These nations are primarily located in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 
• The Global South faces a multitude of challenges, including higher poverty levels, widespread income inequality, and challenging living conditions when compared to the wealthier nations of the Global North.
• Nations of the Global South: Characterized by socio-economic struggles, colonial history, and unequal development.
• Nations of the Global North: Wealthier countries, mainly in North America and Europe, which enjoy more advanced infrastructure, technological innovations, and economic prosperity.

What is The Brandt Line? 

• The ‘Brandt Line’ is a visualisation created to illustrate international inequalities and the socioeconomic gulf that separates regions of the world, popularised in North-South: A Programme for Survival – also known as the Brandt report.
• The imaginary line was drawn in 1980 by Willy Brandt, a former Chancellor of West Germany that divides the world into two parts: wealthier countries in the Northern Hemisphere and poorer nations in the Southern Hemisphere. 
• The Brandt Line underscores the persistent economic inequality, with the Global North holding most of the wealth and resources, while the Global South continues to battle underdevelopment.

India’s Historical Connection with the Global South

• India’s relationship with the Global South has deep historical roots, grounded in shared experiences of colonialism and underdevelopment. Following independence, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, India took on a leadership role in advocating for the Global South’s concerns. India’s influence in promoting the Global South has been evident across various international platforms:
• Founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): India was instrumental in establishing NAM, which focused on addressing the political and socio-economic challenges faced by the Global South. Through NAM, India worked to create a more balanced global order.
• New International Economic Order (NIEO): India played a central role in advocating for a New International Economic Order through NAM. This initiative aimed to challenge the dominance of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, which were perceived as serving the interests of the Global North.
• Formation of the Group of 77 (G-77): India was a key player in the formation of G-77, a coalition of 134 developing nations that sought to present a unified voice for the Global South at the United Nations. The G-77 became an important platform for pushing for the inclusion of the Global South’s priorities in international decision-making.
• Stockholm Conference (1972): India’s leadership in the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 provided an opportunity to voice the environmental concerns of the Global South. This led to the development of key principles like Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and the Polluter Pays Principle, which continue to guide international environmental policies.

India’s Foreign Policy Post Cold War

• With the end of the Cold War and the economic challenges faced by India in the 1990s, there was a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy. India began prioritizing its own national interests, including economic growth and security, over broader ideals of global justice and equity. This shift was particularly visible in the following ways:
• Neglect of NAM: India’s engagement with NAM decreased after the Cold War. The country’s participation in NAM summits has been more limited, with the Prime Minister skipping the 18th NAM Summit in 2019.
• Strengthening Ties with the Global North: India increasingly sought deeper strategic and economic ties with the Global North, particularly the United States, European Union, and Japan. A significant moment in this shift was the India-US Civil Nuclear Deal, which signaled a realignment of India’s foreign relations.
• Focus on New Multilateral Forums: India also deepened its engagement in new multilateral forums such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), while participating less actively in traditional platforms like the G-77 and NAM.

India’s Emergence as the Voice of the Global South

• As India’s economic and geopolitical influence has grown, the country has once again emerged as a strong advocate for the Global South.
• Today, India is reclaiming its leadership role on the global stage, amplifying the voice of developing nations across multiple forums:
• India’s G20 Presidency (2023): During its presidency of the G20, India highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of the Global South, especially in the context of global economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. India called for inclusive growth and the integration of the voices of developing nations into global economic decision-making.
• Support at the United Nations and Other Forums: India has continuously raised the concerns of the Global South at the United Nations and other global institutions. India’s advocacy includes issues such as global trade imbalances, climate change, and the reform of global governance mechanisms to ensure better representation of developing nations.

Challenges Faced by the Global South

• Limited Representation in Global Decision-Making:
  • Many countries within the Global South lack permanent membership in critical global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
  •  For instance, Africa, which has over 50 countries, is still denied permanent representation at the UNSC, despite being the most underrepresented continent in the body. This lack of representation often leaves the interests of African and Latin American nations underrepresented in crucial global discussions on peace, security, and development. 
  • Similarly, Latin America, despite being home to major economies like Brazil and Mexico, has no permanent UNSC seat.
• Escalating Public Debt: 
  • Developing countries in the Global South are experiencing a growing debt crisis. 
  • According to the 2024 UNCTAD A World of Debt report, the public debt in these nations is rising at twice the rate of developed economies. 
  • For example, Sub-Saharan Africa’s debt has surged to over $700 billion, a 12% increase in the last year alone. This rising debt burden limits these countries’ fiscal flexibility, hampering their ability to invest in crucial sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
• Outdated Global Governance and Financial Systems: 
  • The global financial system, particularly institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, has long been criticized for failing to represent the interests of developing nations. 
  • For instance, the IMF’s decision-making process is heavily influenced by the United States and Europe, with the US holding veto power over key decisions. 
  • Moreover, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been criticized for its inability to address the specific needs of developing nations, particularly in areas like agricultural subsidies and intellectual property rights. 
  • The WTO’s appellate dispute mechanism, often deemed dysfunctional, has made it difficult for developing countries to resolve trade disputes fairly.
• Ideological and Policy Divides:
  • There are persistent ideological and policy divergences between the Global South and the Global North on critical issues like democracy, human rights, and climate change.
  •  For example, during the 2021 COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, developed countries did not deliver on their promises to provide $100 billion annually to help developing nations combat climate change. 
  • Many countries in the Global South, including India, called for a more equitable distribution of climate funding, which was met with resistance from wealthier nations, showing the stark divide in priorities between the Global South and North.
• Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts: 
  • Geopolitical conflicts have exacerbated inflation, particularly in food and energy prices, disproportionately affecting countries in the Global South. 
  • The Russia-Ukraine war is a prime example, with food and energy prices skyrocketing globally. 
  • For instance, wheat and corn prices increased by over 50% in 2022, directly impacting nations in Africa and South Asia, which rely heavily on food imports. This has led to food insecurity and inflation, further deepening the economic crises in these countries.

India’s Initiatives in Becoming the Leader of the Global South

• India has played a pivotal role in advocating for the concerns of the Global South through various initiatives and global platforms.
• New Delhi Declaration:
  • India used its G-20 presidency in 2023 to ensure that the issues of the Global South were included in the New Delhi Declaration. 
  • Among the key issues raised were debt financing, climate justice, and gender equality. India called for a global debt restructuring framework that could provide relief to the indebted countries of the Global South. 
  • The New Delhi Declaration also called for greater accountability in addressing climate change and ensuring that developing nations are not left behind in global efforts to tackle climate issues.
• Expansion of the G-20:
  • One of India’s major contributions to the Global South was its effort to expand the G-20 by including the African Union (AU) as a member. This historic inclusion in 2023 ensured that the African continent, which accounts for 17% of the world’s population, had a direct voice at the high table of global economic 
• Voice of the Global South Summit: 
  • India hosted the Voice of the Global South Summit in 2024, bringing together leaders from 120 developing nations to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The summit focused on building solidarity among the nations of the Global South, particularly in areas such as economic growth, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Vaccine Maitri Initiative:
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, India launched the Vaccine Maitri initiative, providing free vaccines and medicines to several countries in the Global South. 
  • India supplied over 150 million vaccine doses to 100 countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and several African nations, as part of its commitment to global health security. 
• More Representative Multilateral For a: 
  • India has played a critical role in making multilateral organizations more inclusive. For example, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) has transformed into BRICS Plus, allowing other developing nations to join the forum. 
  • The addition of countries like Argentina, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia reflects India’s push for a more representative platform where Global South countries can collectively voice their concerns and promote development. India’s role in shaping BRICS Plus highlights its leadership in ensuring the inclusion of developing nations in key global dialogues.
• Climate Justice Leadership: 
  • India has been a vocal advocate for climate justice, recognizing the disproportionate impact that climate change has on developing nations. India has consistently called for greater action from developed nations to meet their climate financing promises.
  •  At COP28, India successfully advocated for the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to provide financial support to the countries most vulnerable to climate change. This fund is expected to play a crucial role in helping the Global South mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Challenges in India’s Leadership in the Global South

• Despite its growing influence, several obstacles still prevent India from fully assuming the leadership role within the Global South.
• UNSC Membership:
  • India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC as part of the G-4 group has been met with resistance from the Coffee Club, a group of countries, including several from Africa and Asia, that oppose India’s inclusion. 
  • The lack of consensus within the Global South on this issue has delayed India’s quest for a permanent seat, limiting its influence within the world’s most powerful decision-making body.
• Neglect of NAM and G-77: 
  • India’s diminishing engagement with traditional platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G-77) has weakened its influence in the Global South. 
  • NAM, once a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, has become less relevant in recent years, and India’s diminished involvement in G-77 has hindered effective communication with some of the core members of the Global South. This has left a gap in India’s ability to lead and coordinate within these platforms.
• The China Factor: 
  • China’s financial influence in the Global South has posed a challenge to India’s leadership ambitions. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested heavily in infrastructure and developmental projects in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and various African nations. 
  • These investments, totaling over $4 trillion, have strengthened China’s presence in the Global South, making it a rival to India’s leadership aspirations.
• Lack of Consistent Engagement: 
  • While India has hosted summits like the India-Africa Summits (2015-2018), it has failed to engage with these nations consistently. 
  • For example, India did not attend the Pacific Island Summit in Papua New Guinea in 2023, signaling a lack of commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Such inconsistencies undermine India’s role as a reliable partner for the Global South.
• Big Brother Attitude: 
  • India has been criticized for its “big brother” approach in some countries within the Global South.
  •  Interventions in domestic politics, such as the Maldives’ ‘India Out Campaign,’ have caused friction and mistrust among some nations, making it difficult for India to build strong, trusted relationships necessary for leadership.
• Delays in Project Implementation: 
  • India’s efforts to implement development projects in the Global South have been hindered by delays. 
  • Projects like the Kaladan Project, which aims to improve connectivity between India and Myanmar, and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor have faced significant setbacks, undermining India’s credibility as a development partner.

 Way Forward for India

• Establishing a Development Bank for the Global South: India should consider setting up a development bank focused on providing financial assistance to developing nations, particularly in infrastructure and sustainable development. This would position India as an alternative to China’s BRI, offering more favorable terms to Global South nations.
• Reviving NAM: India should work to revive the Non-Aligned Movement, which can serve as a platform for addressing the ideological divides and global conflicts that threaten the cohesion of the Global South. NAM’s revival would help restore the solidarity among developing nations and give India a stronger voice in global affairs.
• Improving Project Delivery: India must focus on timely and efficient project execution. By improving its delivery capabilities, India can build credibility and reliability as a development partner. Meeting deadlines for key projects will help restore trust in India’s commitment to the Global South.
• Fostering Mutual Respect: India should move away from a “big brother” approach and focus on building partnerships based on mutual respect and equality. India needs to avoid meddling in domestic politics and instead offer support based on shared values and goals.
• Continued Engagement through Summits: India must continue its engagement with African nations and Indo-Pacific countries by regularizing summits such as the Indo-Africa Summit. This sustained engagement will ensure India’s leadership role in the region and deepen its ties with the Global South.
• Enhancing Capacity-Building Initiatives: India should continue to share its expertise in critical areas such as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital infrastructure, and food security. These capacity-building initiatives will strengthen India’s position as a partner of choice for the Global South.