For decades, India has been a strong advocate for the Global South—a group of countries often described as belonging to the developing, less developed, or underdeveloped parts of the world.
By virtue of its unique status as a large, populous democracy with strong economic growth, India has played a key role as a facilitator of cooperation between the Global South and Global North.
By leveraging its cultural influence, strategic location, robust industrial and technological base, and extensive track record of developmental experiences, India is well-positioned to continue this active role in the future—serving as a dependable link between the two blocs and building mutual trust through a collaborative approach within regional groupings.
In the past, India has consistently campaigned and spoken on behalf of the Global South at various multilateral forums, promoting dialogue and collaborative solutions on critical global issues. This has been India’s consistent position—one that it has pursued while maintaining constructive relations with the developed North. This acceptance of India by both sides of the divide bodes well for its continued role in the coming decades as a conciliator and credible voice for developing nations on the international stage.
India’s diplomatic history, marked by active engagement with the UN, G77, WTO, BRICS, and G20, includes its leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War, followed by initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation through SAARC. India has always supported development initiatives in the Global South, advocating for a balanced and equitable international system while promoting a multipolar world order—an enduring role that continues to shape its foreign policy.
India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was a significant milestone for the Global South. It empowered developing nations—and emerging economies within the G20—to realise their aspirations for a greater say in global issues. The admission of the African Union (AU) into the G20 was the most notable outcome of the New Delhi Summit.
India has steadfastly voiced the concerns of developing nations while promoting South-South cooperation and equitable partnerships. Recent initiatives, such as the “Voice of the Global South Summit” (VOGSS), provide a platform for developing countries to share their concerns, priorities, and perspectives. This initiative fosters collaboration and dialogue across regions, encouraging developed economies to adopt a more positive and cooperative approach toward the Global South.
Helen Clark, former UNDP Administrator, described the Global South as “critical to solving global problems.” Resonating with this view, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank,emphasised the need for collaboration with the Global South, describing it as the “key to unlocking new markets, technologies, and innovations that can drive sustainable growth and development.”
The UN has emphasised the theme of solidarity, equity, and partnership for furthering South-South cooperation, viewing it as a partnership of equals aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging the expertise of Global South countries, this cooperation helps drive their own development. China and India are major players in this effort, particularly in ensuring climate resilience and transitioning toward low-carbon development.
India and other developing countries have committed to sharing development experiences, knowledge, skills, expertise, technology, and resources to help Global South nations meet their sustainable development needs as part of the 2030 Agenda. The UNDP has expressed full confidence in India’s leadership in supporting the Global South through the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) model, which involves financial support from a northern country and collaboration between two southern countries.
Building on its success in the digital domain, India, in partnership with the UNDP, is helping developing countries upgrade their digital public infrastructure. India is thus leveraging its strengths in technology and innovation to support digital inclusion and advancement in partner countries from the Global South.
India has assumed a leadership role on behalf of the Global South at a time when geopolitical complexities have intensified, with calls for reforms in the UN Security Council, international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and the management of UN funds and programs. The dominance of a few global powers in international affairs impedes the emergence of a more representative multipolar world. Structural reforms in international organizations are essential to ensure equitable representation from the Global South.
The Global South has been the most affected by the impacts of climate change—a result of the historical legacy of the Global North, which produced carbon-emitting technologies during its development after the Industrial Revolution. India has been a staunch supporter of developing countries’ stance on climate change, urging developed nations to assume greater responsibility and take a more holistic approach to the issue.
Other challenges that directly impact the economies of the Global South include supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and soaring fertilizer prices, which harm the health of industrial and agricultural sectors.
Weaker countries within the Global South have often faced harsh consequences due to power imbalances and exploitation by stronger nations. Their genuine efforts to develop are further hindered by environmental concerns, public health issues, and the mismanagement of financial assistance and grants.
India is well-positioned to support and lead the Global South through several strategic actions, including diplomatic engagement, strengthening alliances, economic collaboration and infrastructure investments, technology transfer, skill development and innovation, climate change initiatives using green technologies, soft-power cultural diplomacy, healthcare and educational scholarships, humanitarian assistance, food security initiatives, contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts, and advocating for global governance reforms.
In light of these challenges, India has consistently voiced support for energy security and a sustainable energy transition, backed by cost-effective technology and regulated financial support to foster socio-economic development in Global South countries. During its successful G20 presidency, India persuaded the Global North to pledge increased funding for financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF to support the Global South.
For decades, India has been a vocal proponent of the Global South’s demands for fair trade practices within the WTO. It played a pivotal role in advocating for the TRIPS waiver, temporarily suspending intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments to ensure wider access.
India’s models for fostering Global South-Global North collaboration include Triangular Cooperation (India-Africa-Europe), South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), North-South-South (NSS) Cooperation, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
India’s collaborative initiatives with its Global South partners cover critical areas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change and renewable energy through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), trade and investment, technology cooperation, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education and skill development, and disaster response and recovery.
These initiatives have been implemented through forums like the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), the India-ASEAN Connectivity Summit, the India-LAC (Latin America-Caribbean) Business Forum, the India-Middle East Dialogue, and programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
Benefits to India’s partners in the Global South include enhanced global visibility, access to technology and expertise, increased trade and investment, capacity-building support, and improved healthcare and education.
Conversely, the Global North has benefitted from diversified market access, enhanced influence in emerging markets, more innovation and R&D partnerships, and greater opportunities to address global challenges.
However, there is still much to be done to fine-tune this collaborative model in terms of funding and resource mobilisation, implementing strong and effective policies and regulatory frameworks, improving infrastructure and logistics, and building capacity and skills.
In the past three years, the Global South has gained substantial visibility through the G20 presidencies of Indonesia, India, and Brazil. With South Africa—a developing country—taking over the mantle in 2025, the momentum will continue. This is a crucial phase for elevating the Global South agenda, addressing African concerns, and forging a consensus to establish a more equitable and inclusive international economic system.
These initiatives can help spur North-South collaboration, but only if a conducive environment of peace and tranquility is created. This will require minimising existing geopolitical tensions and taking measures to strengthen regional organizations to facilitate more people-to-people exchanges, business-to-business engagements, and diplomatic consultations. The challenge will be to navigate the complex dynamics of great power geopolitics and unite the diverse voices of the Global South to present a unified front on key issues.
Overall, with its growing economic and political influence, along with its commitment to promoting the interests of the Global South, India is poised to be a leading player in shaping future collaboration between the Global North and South.
India has truly been the “Voice of the Global South”—a historical role it will continue to fulfill with responsibility and conviction.
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