Submitted to Submitted by

Professor Manish Rajashree Parida

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sl No Topic Page

1 INTRODUCTION 2

2 GLOBAL NORTH AND GLOBAL SOUTH 3

INDIA AS A CONNECTING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AND

3 4
SOUTH

4 INDIA AS VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH 7

G20: HOW INDIA EMERGED AS THE VOICE OF GLOBAL

5 10
SOUTH

6 GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT 11

INDIA’S ROLE IN THE VOICE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH

7 12
SUMMIT

8 CONCLUSION 13

9 REFERENCES 14
INTRODUCTION:
“The Global South is a geographical, geopolitical, historical and developmental concept, all
at the same time — with exceptions,” says Happymon Jacob, founder of the New Delhi-based Council
for Strategic and Defense Research.

Most commonly the term refers to the countries belonging to the Group of 77 at the
United Nations, which, confusingly, is today actually a coalition of 134 countries. They’re primarily
considered developing countries, but also include China — about which there is some debate — and
several wealthy Gulf states. Though the G77 is a group at the U.N., the U.N. itself does not use that
as its own definition, according to Rolf Traeger, who is with the U.N.’s trade and development office.
No matter how you define it, the Global South accounts for such a vast majority of the world’s
population and broad wrap of territory that some argue it’s impossible and misleading to use the
label.

There is also a Global North, though the term is not regularly used. That is defined basically
as not the Global South. The Global South refers to a group of countries, mostly located in Africa,
Latin America, Asia, and the levels of poverty, income inequality, and challenging living conditions
compared to the wealthier nations of the Global North. The Global North are richer nations that are
located mostly in North America and Europe, with some additions in Oceania and elsewhere.

India plays a significant and evolving role in the Global South, shaped by its historical
leadership in global movements and its growing influence as an emerging economy. India's
involvement is characterized by its commitment to addressing issues like poverty, climate change,
inequality, and economic development, which are central to the Global South's concerns.

Right from India’s independence in 1947 to its presidency of the G20 in 2023, India shared
a vision of being the voice of the Global South. India ensured to walk the talk with its focus on raising
concerns of the Global South.

As India continues to grow in stature on the global stage, its influence in shaping the
future of the Global South is likely to expand, making it a key player in the global order of the 21st
century. India is positioning itself as a key leader in the Global South, promoting cooperation,
development, and fair treatment for countries that share similar challenges and aspirations

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GLOBAL NORTH AND GLOBAL SOUTH:
The divide between the so-called Global North and Global South is based on the Brandt
Line, a physical line dividing the world into “north” and “south”. Unlike the equator, it is based on
latitude, but rather on economic status of the countries it divides. In the 1980s, the Brandt Line was
developed as a way of showing how the world was geographically split into relatively richer and
poorer nations. Richer countries are almost all located in the Northern Hemisphere. Poorer countries
are mostly located in tropical regions and in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Global North * one quarter of the world population+ refers to developed societies of
Europe and North America, which are characterized by established democracy, wealth, technological
advancement, political stability, aging population, zero population growth and dominance of world
trade and politics.

Countries in the Global South, by comparison, are those whose economies are still
developing. They tend to be located in Africa, South America, and Southern Asia—though, perhaps
ironically, more Global South countries are located in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern
Hemisphere. Global South countries also display faster population growth than those of the Global
North.

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INDIA AS A CONNECTING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH:
India has positioned itself as a significant link between the Global North and Global South
due to its geopolitical location, economic status, and diplomatic efforts. India taking the “leadership”
of the Global South but is also strengthening its ties with the Global North. This fits into India’s policy
of “re-balancing” it’s external relations.

Here are several ways India serves as a connecting link:

1. Geopolitical and Strategic Role

India’s strategic location in South Asia gives it access to both the Indian Ocean and the
broade Asian continent. Its foreign policy often reflects an attempt to bridge the interests of both the
Global North and South.

 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Historically, India was one of the key founders of the NAM
during the Cold War, advocating for neutrality in the bipolar world and representing the
aspirations of newly independent Global South nations. This established India as a key voice
of the developing world.
 G20 Leadership: India’s increasing role in the G20 positions it as a critical intermediary
between the industrialized nations and the developing world. India advocates for reforms in
global governance institutions like the UN and WTO, which many developing countries feel
are biased toward the Global North. This is seen in India's efforts during the G20 presidency
in 2023.
 Strategic Alliances: India’s ties with major global powers like the U.S., the European Union,
and Russia help it maintain strong North connections, while its partnerships with African and
Southeast Asian nations, as well as the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa),
maintain its South credentials.

2. Economic Connector

India’s economic policies, market potential, and industrial sector position it as a vital link
between developed and developing economies.

 Trade Relations: India is one of the fastest-growing economies globally and is a major trading
partner for both Global North and South. It imports high-end technology from developed
countries while exporting goods and services to developing regions, acting as an economic
bridge.

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  South-South Cooperation: India is a key player in fostering South-South cooperation,
particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. India's development cooperation programs provide
technical assistance and investment in energy, education, and infrastructure, helping to
enhance economic ties with the Global South.
 Pharmaceutical and Technology Hub: India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest
globally, providing affordable medicines, particularly to the Global South. During the COVID-
19 pandemic, India played a crucial role in vaccine distribution to lower-income countries
through initiatives like "Vaccine Maitri." Its tech industry also partners with both North and
South countries, making India a global IT and manufacturing hub.

3. Cultural and Historical Connections

India has cultural ties to both the North and South, facilitating connections between these
regions.

 Colonial Legacy: As a former British colony, India maintains strong historical ties to the
Global North, particularly with the UK and other Commonwealth countries. These ties are
reflected in shared educational, legal, and political systems.
 Diaspora Influence: The Indian diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with significant
populations in both developed (e.g., U.S., UK, Canada) and developing (e.g., Gulf countries,
Africa) nations. This diaspora serves as a bridge for economic, cultural, and political
exchanges between North and South.
 Soft Power: India’s soft power—rooted in its cultural exports like Bollywood, yoga, and
spiritualism—resonates across both developed and developing countries, further enhancing
its role as a connector.

4. Climate Change Diplomacy

India plays a central role in global climate discussions, advocating for a fair and equitable
transition to green energy.

 Balancing Development and Sustainability: India advocates for the principle of "Common
but Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR) in climate negotiations, emphasizing that the
Global North should bear more responsibility for climate change mitigation due to their
historical emissions, while allowing developing nations more flexibility to grow.

 Green Initiatives and Leadership: Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-
launched by India, promote cooperation between developed and developing countries for

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 renewable energy transitions, highlighting India’s role in bridging environmental priorities
between the North and South.

5. Technological and Innovation Hub

India’s technological advancements have allowed it to serve as a crucial link between the
Global North’s high-tech sector and the Global South’s growing demand for affordable solutions.

 Digital Economy Leadership: India's advances in digital infrastructure, such as the Aadhaar
digital ID system, UPI payments, and AI capabilities, have attracted attention from both
developed and developing nations looking to replicate such innovations for inclusive
development.

 Space and Defense Cooperation: India's space program (ISRO) and its successful low-cost
missions have gained global recognition, leading to partnerships with both Northern
countries like the U.S. and European nations, and Southern countries like Brazil, showcasing
India's ability to collaborate across diverse regions.

6. Multilateral Diplomacy

India’s active participation in multilateral forums further enhances its ability to connect
the Global North and South.

 BRICS and G77: India is a member of both the BRICS grouping (with Brazil, Russia, China, and
South Africa) and the G77, where it plays a leading role in articulating the concerns of the
Global South.

 UN and WTO Reforms: India’s consistent push for reforms in the UN Security Council, where
it seeks permanent membership, and its advocacy for fairer trade practices within the WTO
highlight its role as a mediator for the Global South’s concerns in global governance
structures traditionally dominated by the North.

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INDIA AS VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH:
While India indeed plays a bridging role between the Global North and Global South, it
holds greater strategic importance for the Global South. Here’s why:

1. Voice for the Global South in Global Governance

India consistently advocates for the interests of developing nations, particularly in global governance
and multilateral institutions.

 UN Security Council and WTO Reforms: India has long championed the need for reforms in
the UN Security Council and WTO pushing for greater representation of developing
countries. India’s efforts to seek a permanent seat in the UN Security Council are closely
aligned with representing the aspirations of the Global South.

 G20 Presidency (2023): During its G20 presidency, India positioned itself as a voice for the
Global South, advocating for issues such as climate justice, food security, and inclusive
development, ensuring that the concerns of developing nations were brought to the
forefront in global economic discussions.

2. Champion of Development Issues

India’s role as a leader in development cooperation and South-South solidarity is crucial for
other Global South nations.

 South-South Cooperation: Through initiatives like the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) program, India offers developmental assistance to countries in
Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
 Energy and Infrastructure Investment: India’s role in initiatives such as the
International Solar Alliance (ISA), aimed at mobilizing countries, particularly in Africa
and Asia, to transition to renewable energy, reflects India’s commitment to leading
sustainable development in the Global South.

3. Economic Leadership for Developing Nations

India’s economic leadership is essential for the Global South in terms of trade, affordable
technologies, and inclusive growth.

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  Affordable Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: India is often referred to as the “pharmacy of
the world,” producing affordable medicines and vaccines, which are vital for developing
nations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided vaccines to over 90 countries,
particularly in Africa and South Asia.

 Technology Transfer and Innovation: India’s technological advancements, such as in digital

payments (e.g., UPI) and its space program (ISRO), have become models for other Global
South nations. Its success in combining innovation with cost-effectiveness makes these
technologies accessible to developing countries, which often cannot afford expensive
solutions from the Global North.

4. Security and Peacekeeping

India helps many developing countries with security, especially in the Indian Ocean region,
and contributes troops to peacekeeping missions around the world, ensuring stability in
conflict areas.

 Indian Ocean Naval Cooperation: India plays a key security role in the Indian Ocean
region, protecting trade routes and offering maritime security assistance to smaller
island nations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius. This is crucial for Global
South countries that rely on these routes for trade and resources.
 Defense Training and Equipment: India provides military training, equipment, and
technical support to several countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, helping them
strengthen their defense capabilities without having to rely on expensive imports
from developed nations.

5. Trade Relations and Market Access

 Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme: India offers duty-free access to a large
number of products from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), primarily in Africa
and Asia, allowing these countries to export to India without facing high tariffs. This
helps boost trade and supports the economic development of poorer nations.

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  BRICS Partnership: As part of the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South
Africa), India works on creating alternate economic systems that benefit developing
nations. For example, the New Development Bank (NDB) established by BRICS
provides funding for infrastructure and development projects across the Global
South, reducing dependence on Western financial institutions like the IMF and
World Bank.

6. Climate Change and Renewable Energy

 International Solar Alliance (ISA): India co-founded this initiative to promote solar
energy among countries, especially in the Global South, where sunlight is abundant
but renewable energy infrastructure is lacking. The ISA works to mobilize financing
and technology to help these countries transition to green energy.
 Championing “Climate Justice”: India advocates for fair climate policies that don’t
penalize developing nations for wanting to grow their economies. India argues that
wealthy countries, which have historically caused most of the pollution, should take
on a larger share of the burden for reducing emissions. This stance resonates
strongly with other developing nation

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G20: HOW INDIA EMERGED AS THE VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH
India, during its presidency of the G20, has prioritized being the voice of the Global South
and has taken action to raise concerns. “Our G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation with not
just our G20 partners, but also our fellow travelers in the Global South, whose voice often goes
unheard," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said last December. Under the leadership of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, India championed issues that are particularly relevant to developing
countries, such as:

 Debt restructuring: India pushed for multilateral action to provide debt relief for low-income
countries facing economic crises.

 Climate finance: India advocated for more equitable climate financing, stressing the need for
developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments to help developing nations combat
climate change.

 Food security: India took the lead in addressing food insecurity, particularly for countries
heavily affected by disruptions in global grain supply due to the Ukraine conflict.

During the G20 Summit, India also hosted the Voice of the Global South Summit, bringing
together representatives from over 120 countries to discuss key issues impacting developing nations.

Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed that India has walked the talk
when it comes to raising issues of the Global South.

At the very beginning of its presidency, India hosted the Voice of Global South Summit
virtually in January with representatives from 125 countries. India even ensured that the region
remained center stage at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May this year.

One of the pieces of evidence that India is voicing for Global South is adding the African
Union as a full member of the G20.

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GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT:

The Global South Summit refers to a high-level platform aimed at bringing together countries from
the Global South to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. It is part of a larger movement by
developing nations to assert their collective voice in global governance, promote cooperation, and
address issues like economic inequality, climate change, food security, and debt relief, all of which
disproportionately affect these nations.

Purpose of the Global South Summit

The Voice of the Global South Summit is a more recent manifestation of efforts to advance the
interests of developing nations. Its objectives are to:

1. Promote South-South Cooperation: The summit seeks to foster collaboration among

developing countries in fields such as trade, climate action, technology, and infrastructure.

2. Raise the Voice of the Global South: The summit provides a forum for these nations to
collectively express their concerns, priorities, and perspectives on global issues, which are
often underrepresented in international institutions.

3. Address Common Challenges: Issues such as debt relief, food security, climate change, and
global inequality are discussed, as they disproportionately affect developing nations. These
issues are central to the summit's agenda.

4. Strengthen Solidarity: The summit aims to build solidarity among the Global South countries
to address the power imbalances in global governance, where developed nations often
dominate decision-making processes.

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INDIA’S ROLE IN THE VOICE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT:

First Voice of The Global South Summit

India hosted a special virtual Summit, called the Voice of Global South Summit under the
theme – ‘Unity of voice, Unity of purpose’ from January 12-13, 2023. It was a new and unique
initiative that envisaged bringing together countries of the Global South and share their perspectives
and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues. The initiative was inspired by
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka
Prayas’, and also underpinned by India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Second Voice of the Global South Summit

India hosted the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 November 2023, in virtual
format under the overarching theme – ‘Together, For Everyone's Growth, With Everyone's Trust’.
The theme echoes essentially India's philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and is an extension of
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’.

The 2nd Voice of Global South Summit focused on sharing with countries of the Global South the key
outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency.

Third Voice of Global South Summit

India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 August 2024, in virtual format,
with the overarching theme, "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. The Summit
represented a continuity in the Global South’s focus on strengthening collective efforts in addressing
the challenges it faced in the current international environment. It also served as a platform to
discuss ideas and solutions from the Global South on various developmental priorities, including
those relating to development finance, health, climate change, technology, governance, energy,
trade, youth empowerment, digital transformation, women-led development, capacity building, and
human-centric sustainable development.

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CONCLUSION:

India’s relationship with the Global South reflects a vision of solidarity, mutual respect,
and collaborative development. Its leadership role is underscored by its advocacy for the reform of
global institutions, its active engagement in South-South cooperation, and its efforts to address the
unique challenges faced by developing countries. Through initiatives like the Voice of Global South
Summit, India continues to reaffirm its commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just
world order where the voices of the Global South are heard and their interests prioritized.

India’s role in the Global South is both strategic and principled, reflecting its belief in a just
and inclusive global order. As India continues to rise as a global power, its ability to balance its
growing influence with its foundational commitment to the Global South will remain a defining
feature of its foreign policy and diplomacy. India’s ability to balance its growing global influence with
its historical ties to the Global South will be crucial as it navigates complex geopolitical landscapes in
the future.

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REFERENCES:

1. Voice of Global South Summit - Ministry of External Affairs

2. South South Cooperation - Observe Research Foundation
3. How India emerged as the voice of global South - Economic Times
4. India Host the third voice of global South Summit - The Hindu
5. Press Information Bureau

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