India’s Role in the Governance of Global South

In an effort to strike a balance between the Western world and the Northern hemisphere, India is making strides in rallying nations from the “South.” The recent two-day virtual summit, titled “Voice of the Global South 2023” with the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose,” reflects India’s endeavor to contribute a fresh perspective to the global order.

This virtual gathering has proven to be a valuable platform for the Global South to provide insights, potentially aiding India in its aspiration to successfully host the G20 summit in Delhi in 2023. Furthermore, this forum signifies India’s renewed engagement with a group of nations that had faded from its foreign policy focus since the conclusion of the Cold War. In the past three decades, Indian diplomacy has primarily concentrated on reshaping its relationships with major powers, fostering stability in its neighboring regions, and nurturing regional institutions within its extended vicinity.

Why in News?

Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the disruptions caused by the corona virus pandemic and recent geopolitical conflicts call for a realignment of the world order.
He said that the “Global South” can no longer be at the mercy of a few suppliers.

What is Global South?

The term ‘Global South’ began by loosely referring to those countries that were left out of the industrialisation era and had a conflict of ideology with the capitalist and communist countries, accentuated by the Cold War.
- It includes countries that are mostly in Asia, Africa and South America.
- Moreover, Global North is defined essentially by an economic division between the rich and poor countries.
  - Global North’ refers loosely to countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
‘Global South’ is significant because of its large population, rich cultures, and abundant natural resources.
Understanding the Global South is important for addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

What are the Challenges before the Global South?

The status-quo nature of global geopolitics got disrupted following the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent Ukraine-Russia War that is now in its second year.
These paved the way for new challenges, including supply securitisation of food and energy, technology transfer, energy transition, and climate change issues and their impact on the global community.

Securing Supply Chain:

The rise in energy costs and fertilizer prices also pose a substantial challenge to the Global South.
Hence there is a need to relook at how essential commodities can reach the Global South and there is a need for securitisation of the supply chain for the Global South is paramount.

Adequate Energy Supply:

The second most important problem confronting the Global South in the context of energy security is ensuring a sustainable energy transition.
Since energy transition is a costly affair involving technology and finance, the countries of the Global South are the hardest hit in this regard.
The need of the hour is to ensure a sustainable energy transition which can bring overall socio-economic development to the countries of the Global South.

Climate Change:

It is a fact that the countries of the Global South are facing the adversarial consequences of climate change largely due to the historical polluters of the Global North.
Hence there is a need to look at the process of climate change repercussions on the Global South from a broader perspective.

Multilateralism:

The other important challenge in global geopolitics is in the form of the need for “genuine multilateralism” of the institutions of global governance, which will provide an equitable voice to all the countries.
There is a need to need to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) along with other multilateral bodies to ensure equitable representation from the Global South.

What can be the Way Forward?

Balancing Nationalism and Internationalism:
- India needs to contribute in more significant ways to modernising and democratising the global order.
- In today’s world, it is imperative to find a balance between nationalism and internationalism which will help in safeguarding interests of any country as well as interests of Global south.
Identifying Simple, Scalable and Sustainable Solutions:
- The need of the hour is to identify simple, scalable and sustainable solutions that can transform our societies and economies.
- With such an approach, it is possible to overcome the difficult challenges — whether it is poverty, universal healthcare or building human capacities.
  - During the last century, these nations supported each other against foreign rule. It’s time to do it again in this century, to create a new world order that will guarantee citizens’ welfare.
Regaining the Trust of Other Developing Countries:
- As a low middle income country seeking rapid economic development India remains well placed to be the “Voice of the Global South”. However, India needs to regain the trust of other developing countries, especially in Africa and South and Southeast Asia, espousing their interests, for it to once again play this role effectively.
Role of G-20:
- India’s year-long presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is also an opportunity for uniting the global south for India by providing a platform for India and other countries from the global south to come together and discuss common issues and challenges, as well as opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
- At the G20 summit, India and other countries from the global south can raise their concerns and share their perspectives on key issues such as economic growth, trade, investment, and development.
- The summit can also serve as a platform for India and other countries from the global south to coordinate their efforts and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty.