Global South Must Work Together: EAM

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• At the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for stronger Global South solidarity and a collective push for UN reforms.

About

• He called for a united approach among Global South countries, based on fair and transparent economic practices, resilient supply chains, and stronger South-South trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
• Positioned India as a bridge between developed nations and the Global South, highlighting its leadership in initiatives like Voice of Global South Summit (2023) and G20 Presidency (2023).

Global South

• The term “Global South” was coined by Carl Oglesby, an American political activist, in 1969.
• He used the term to describe countries suffering from political and economic exploitation by developed nations of the Global North.
• In the simplest sense, Global South refers to the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.
• Most of these countries, where about 85% of the world population lives, experienced colonial rule and historically lagged in achieving substantial levels of industrialisation.
• According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Global South countries typically exhibit lower levels of development, higher income inequality, rapid population growth, agrarian-dominant economies, lower quality of life, shorter life expectancy, and significant external dependence.

Challenges Faced by Global South

• Economic: According to World Bank data (2023), the average GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa was approximately $1,623, compared to $79,640 in North America.
  • This stark disparity underscores the economic challenges faced by the Global South.
• Dependency on Agriculture: Economies in these regions often rely heavily on agriculture and raw material exports, making them particularly vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
• Infrastructural Challenges: Such as poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities further exacerbate economic disparities.
  • Post-colonial legacies continue to manifest in various ways, including persistent socio-economic disparities, systemic corruption, and political instability.
• Political Challenges: Many Global South nations contend with challenges related to governance, corruption, and internal conflicts, with autocratic regimes complicating their development trajectories and international standing.

Significance of Global South in the World Order

• Demographic Significance: The Global South accounts for the majority of the world’s population, with many nations experiencing a demographic dividend—a young and growing population that drives innovation, labor force expansion, and consumer demand.
• Economic Hubs: The Global South contributes approximately 40% of global trade, half of the world’s manufacturing output, and a substantial portion of high-tech products.
  • The rapid urbanization and rising middle class in these nations are also creating new markets for goods and services, further solidifying their influence in the global economy.
• Shaping Multipolarity in World Order: Counters North-South divide and challenges unipolar dominance.
  • These countries act as a balancing force in US-China rivalry and other power competitions.

Why has India Emerged as a Voice for the Global South?

• Historical Role: India has long championed the cause of developing nations with Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Bandung Conference (1955), and G77 through the Cold War representing the collective interests of the Global South countries.
  • The civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) aligns with Global South solidarity.
• Economic Rise & Development Experience: India has emerged as the 4th largest economy of the world and is the fastest-growing major economy which inspires other Global South nations.
  • India’s own journey from aid-recipient to aid-donor & development partner makes it relatable.
• Climate & Global Justice Advocacy: India has been a Vocal advocate of climate justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
  • It leads in renewable energy, green growth, lifestyle for environment (LiFE), which resonates with Global South priorities.
• Diplomatic & Multilateral Role: During India’s G20 Presidency (2023) India placed Global South at the centre by initiating Voice of the Global South Summit.
  • India championed inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.
• Strategic Autonomy & Trusted Voice: India follows an independent foreign policy which is not aligned to any bloc trusted by both West and Global South.
  • The presence of a strong Indian diaspora in Global North also amplifies Global South concerns globally.

Challenges Faced by the India

• Domestic Development Gaps: Despite being the 4th largest economy, India still faces poverty, unemployment, health, education deficits.
• Resource & Financial Constraints: India has a limited capacity to provide large-scale aid, concessional finance, or infrastructure investments compared to China.
  • South-South cooperation needs sustained financial support, which strains India’s budget.
• Geopolitical Pressures: India has to balance its ties with the USA, EU, Russia, China while representing the Global South.
  • Western bloc may resist reforms in the IMF, UNSC, WTO where India champions Global South demands.
  • The Strategic rivalries between US–China, Russia–West pull Global South in different directions, reducing India’s influence.
• Competition with China: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and large financial outlays give it greater leverage in Africa, Asia, Latin America.
  • Many Global South countries perceive China as a more immediate development partner due to its financial clout.
• Security & Stability Concerns: Regional tensions with Pakistan & China, terrorism, and border disputes distract India’s focus from global leadership.

Initiatives by India for Global South

• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), established in 1961, played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the Global South during the Cold War.
• NAM sought to provide a platform for countries that did not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union, advocating for national sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful coexistence.
• NAM’s significance extended beyond the Cold War, as it continued to champion the interests of the Global South in the international arena.
• Voice of the Global South Summit: First-of-its-kind initiative where 125+ countries participated. India projected their concerns on debt, climate, food, energy, and digital divide.
• UN Reforms Advocacy: Strong push for UNSC expansion to include Africa, Latin America, and Asia representation.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Export: Sharing India’s UPI, Aadhaar, CoWIN model with Global South nations.
• Vaccine Maitri (2020–21): India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to 100+ Global South countries.
• Lines of Credit & Grants: $30+ billion committed for infrastructure, connectivity, power, and agriculture projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Conclusion

• The recent resurgence of the Global South reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of developing nations in global affairs.
• India’s leadership exemplifies this transition through its championing of the interests of the Global South and advocating for a recalibration of the global economic and political order.