For decades, the idea of the “Global South” has been more than a geographic or economic label. It has represented a shared history of colonialism, underdevelopment, unequal global power structures, and a collective aspiration for dignity, autonomy, and inclusive growth. Few countries embody this journey as authentically as India. From its early leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to its present role as a leading voice for developing nations on the world stage, India’s engagement with the Global South reflects both continuity and transformation. Today, India is no longer merely a participant in South-South cooperation; it has emerged as one of its principal architects. This evolution has been shaped by India’s economic rise, its democratic ethos, and a foreign policy philosophy grounded in partnership rather than patronage. A historical bond, reimagined India’s relationship with the Global South is rooted in shared anti-colonial struggles and a common belief in strategic autonomy. Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned a world where newly independent nations could pursue development without being subsumed into great power rivalries. That vision found expression in the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, where India played a foundational role. While the Cold War context that gave rise to NAM has long faded, the structural inequalities in global governance have not. Institutions created in the mid-20th century still inadequately reflect the voices and interests of developing nations. It is against this backdrop that India has recalibrated its engagement with the Global South—less as a moral crusader, and more as a pragmatic partner that combines advocacy with action. Voice of the Global South: From rhetoric to representation A defining moment in this renewed engagement came in January 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the first Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS), just weeks after India assumed the G20 Presidency. The timing was deliberate and strategic. At a moment when global discourse was dominated by conflicts, economic uncertainty, and climate anxiety, India created a platform where developing countries could articulate their priorities in their own voices. The success of the inaugural summit led to subsequent editions later in 2023 and again in 2024. These were not symbolic gatherings. They informed India’s positions across multilateral forums and directly shaped the G20 agenda. Issues such as debt sustainability, climate finance, digital inclusion, food security, and development financing—often sidelined in global deliberations—were brought to the fore. Crucially, India did not stop at advocacy. It complemented words with tangible assistance, reinforcing the credibility of its leadership. Development partnership, not dependency India’s development cooperation model stands apart in both intent and execution. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, India has extended training, scholarships, and technical assistance to over 160 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. These programmes span healthcare, agriculture, education, public administration, and information technology, focusing on capacity building rather than conditionality. This approach reflects a fundamental belief: sustainable development cannot be imported; it must be locally owned. By investing in human resources and institutional capacity, India positions itself as a partner in progress, not a benefactor seeking influence through dependency. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Philosophy meets policy At the heart of India’s foreign policy lies the ancient civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. Far from being a rhetorical flourish, this principle has guided India’s diplomatic conduct for more than a decade. Its fullest expression came during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, under the motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” India ensured that the concerns of developing nations were not treated as peripheral but embedded in the final outcomes of G20 deliberations. This inclusive approach was instrumental in bridging divides between the Global North and South at a time of heightened global polarization. Economic strength as strategic enabler India’s ability to champion the Global South has been significantly enhanced by its economic transformation. In 2014, India was the world’s 10th largest economy. Today, it ranks fourth and is projected to become the third largest by 2027. With GDP growth touching 8.2 percent in recent quarters and projections of a $10 trillion economy by 2035, India has acquired both the confidence and the capacity to act as a global stakeholder. This economic heft translated into decisive action during moments of crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India supplied medicines to over 150 countries and distributed more than 300 million vaccine doses to over 100 nations under the Vaccine Maitri initiative—much of it free of cost. For many Global South countries, Indian vaccines and pharmaceuticals were not merely helpful; they were lifesaving. Similarly, when Sri Lanka faced an unprecedented economic collapse in 2022, India extended assistance worth $4.5 billion. India has also provided timely support to Afghanistan, the Maldives, and others with food, medicines, and financial aid. Increasingly, India has emerged as a First Responder—whether during earthquakes, floods, or humanitarian crises—across its neighborhood and beyond. A landmark achievement: African Union in the G20 One of the most consequential outcomes of India’s G20 Presidency was the admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. This was not a procedural change; it was a structural correction. For years, Africa—with 54 countries and over 1.4 billion people—had remained underrepresented in global economic governance. India’s success in building consensus on this issue underscored its credibility as a bridge-builder and its unwavering commitment to amplifying Global South voices. Four Pillars of contemporary engagement India’s Global South partnership today rests on four key pillars: 1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) India’s digital revolution—embodied in the “India Stack”—has moved from domestic success to global outreach. Platforms such as UPI are being adopted or piloted in countries like Sri Lanka, Namibia, and across Southeast Asia. Through a $25 million Social Impact Fund, India is helping developing nations build digital identity and payment systems that promote financial inclusion. 2. Health and pharmaceutical leadership As the “Pharmacy of the World,” India supplies affordable, high-quality generic medicines across Africa and the Caribbean. Beyond exports, India is now training regulators from Global South countries to strengthen pharmaceutical safety and regulatory frameworks. 3. The Global development compact Proposed in late 2024, this initiative emphasizes trade for development, reduced barriers for Least Developed Countries, and concessional, project-based financing—offering an alternative to debt-heavy models that have burdened many developing economies. 4. Climate justice and energy transition India has consistently championed the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, with 121 member countries, and Mission LiFE, India promotes climate action that balances sustainability with development imperatives. Looking ahead: Leadership through partnership India’s engagement with the Global South is no longer aspirational; it is operational. It reflects a clear vision of a multipolar world where development is inclusive, governance is equitable, and cooperation replaces coercion. As both a leader and a partner, India is uniquely positioned—by history, philosophy, and capability—to help shape the future of the Global South. The challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to technological disruption, cannot be addressed in isolation. They demand collaboration rooted in trust, respect, and shared aspirations. In walking this path, India has shown that leadership need not be loud to be effective, nor dominance necessary to be influential. Sometimes, the most enduring power lies in standing with others—and ensuring that no voice is left unheard. Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, a veteran Indian diplomat, brings decades of global experience to discussions on diplomacy and international cooperation. He offers a seasoned perspective on contemporary global diplomacy with the lens of a career diplomat and examines how nations navigate power, partnership, and global uncertainty.
