When we speak of the Global South, it means different things to different people in different places. It has no specific definition, criterion or designated region. Opinions also differ on why a country should be a part of the Global South or not. Should China the world’s second-largest economy with the largest foreign exchange reserves and per-capita income of around US$ 13,500 be a part of the Global South? Many feel it shouldn’t. But it claims it is. In fact, it aspires to be its leader, a sentiment which runs counter to India’s ambitions.
In a loose sense, the Global South comprises the countries which are economically underdeveloped: lower Per capita income, lack of infrastructure and basic amenities of life: habitat, health care, drinking water, education, sanitation, recreation and sports and games facilities, rail & road connectivity and security. Most of the countries of the global South are still struggling to achieve Millennium Development Goals, protect against climate changes and have access to new technologies. Many countries are not only poor but are unable to get out of the debt trap. Some face hunger & chronic deprivation. Because of social conditions and lack of development and governance, many youngsters fall prey to radicalisation and extremism. Most of the countries which were once part of G-77 and China & the Nonalignment Movement are now part of the Global South which isn’t a monolith, its people hugely differ in terms of their level of development, their priorities and expectations.
When the Roman empire was witnessing flourishing slave trade and Senators used to relish bloody bouts of Gladiators and centuries before the Christian and Islamic crusaders galloped across the globe to spread their faith not through word of mouth but by the use of their swords, Indian sages were invoking peace on earth; peace in the skies, peace for human beings and peace for the entire nature (Shanti mantras: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: 7-6 th Century BCE) ) and pronouncing the noble concept of VasudhaivaKutumbakam ( Maha Upanishad: Chapter VI ) & Lord Budha( 563-483 BCE) was giving the clarion call: Ahimsa parmo dharma(non-violence is the highest moral value).
After achieving her independence on 15th August 1947 through a peaceful freedom struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, India was at the forefront of anti-imperialist and anti-colonial movements and lent support to many Afro-Asian countries to overthrow colonial rule and attain their independence.
For decades, India has been extending a helping hand & friendly cooperation to various countries of the Global South, particularly In Africa & Asia. Medicines to fight the menace of HIV & AIDS, setting up of the Pan-Africa e-Network, an ICT project between India & the African Union first announced in 2004 in Pan-African Parliament in Johannesburg during his visit by President APJ Kalam; it sought to connect 55 member states through satellite and fibre optics network to India and each other that enabled India & these countries to share expertise in the spheres of tele-medicines, tele-education, e-governance, e-commerce, meteorogical services, resource mapping etc. India bore the initial cost of US$125 million. Since 1964, India has offered scholarships to thousands of students from Africa, Asia & Latin America under its ITECH (Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation programme fully funded by the Government of India) scheme. Besides, it has organised professional courses for diplomats from developing countries at the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs & set up ICT centres and professional training & skilling centres in many countries of the Global South. Having participated in UN peacekeeping missions since independence, India has emerged as the largest provider of UN Peacekeepers. And in an hour of natural crises, India is the first provider rushing all possible help, assistance and manpower. Above all, this has been done without encroaching on anyone’s sovereignty and territorial integrity nor pushing the recipient countries into any crippling debt trap!
With this unmatched legacy of caring for and sharing with others, it wasn’t surprising that for her Presidency of G-20, India chose the all-embracing theme: One Earth, One Family and One Future. And it was India’s concerted endeavour in mobilising support that led to the unanimous admission of the AU (African Union) as the 21st member of G-20 thus giving voice to over 50 countries of the African continent. This vindicated, unmistakably, India’s commitment to voice the concerns of the Global South and work for promoting and furthering their interests.
India hosted the first Voice of the Global South Summit on the 12th & 13th of January 2023; the Second on the 17th Nov 2023 and the 3rdOn17th August 2024, all virtually, with the participation of over 100 countries. Guided by PM Modi’s vision: Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas Aur Sabka Prayas, the 3rdSummit had an overarching theme: An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future. It expanded discussions of the previous summits on major issues like Food and energy security, climate change and conflicts which affect the Global South. It provided a platform for the participating countries to share their perspectives priorities thoughts and ideas to address the problems confronting the Global South.
The expansion of the membership of the BRICS to Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran & Saudi Arabia in addition to the original five: Brazil. Russia, India, China & South Africa reflect the growing realization of the significance of the Global South and help it grow to its potential and make the world a just, fairer, equitable, sustainable and peaceful place. The following part of the 16th BRICS Summit at Kazan in Russia (Oct 22-24,2024) underlines its priorities which have a direct bearing on the Global South:
“We note the emergence of new centres of power, policy decision-making and economic growth, which can pave the way for a more equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. Multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs to unlock their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation. Bearing in mind the need to adapt the current architecture of international relations to better reflect the contemporary realities, we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and upholding international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system, in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all as well as cooperation based on solidarity, mutual respect, justice and equality.
Countries in Asia, Africa & South America understandably differ in many spheres largely on account of their geography, history, social fabric, political systems, governance, natural resources and level of economic development, particularly human resource development. Their problems are further exacerbated by natural disasters: droughts, famines, floods, wildfires and pandemics. However, some problems are common with slight variations. Most of them are relatively deficient in economic parameters: low per capita income, inadequate habitat, health care, education, connectivity, access to technology & skilling and resources to fight the ravages of climate change. Many face crippling debt crises. Conflicts within and with neighbours and the scourge of terrorism afflict many of them. Undemocratic governments, rampant corruption and frequent use of violence to settle political scores stall their progress.
30 countries most of them from the Global South have evinced interest in joining the BRICS. Why? They feel that its emphasis on multipolarity, sustainable development, an inclusive, fair and open international order, reforms of the UN and its agencies including the International Financial Institutions, developing and sharing Information & telecom and other technologies, addressing climate change challenges, fighting against terrorism, cyber-crime, corruption & money laundering and initiatives to conduct trade in local currencies are directly relevant to them and might offer more practical and productive solutions.
As EAM Jaishankar mentioned at the Outreach segment of the BRIC Summit in Kazan, India is willing to share her experiences and new initiatives in Digital Public Infrastructure, Unified Payments Interface and the Gati Shakti infrastructure, the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and the International Big Cat Alliance. He stressed that “, as a First Responder, be it for natural calamities, health emergencies or economic crises,” India seeks to do her fair share.
Undoubtedly, India is a true friend and partner of the Global South.
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